Keep Your Shots Sharp With The Best Scope For AR-10
Source: bestar15scope.org
The AR-10 remains a hot favorite among survivalists looking for the perfect SHTF gun or even the average Joe looking for a reliable weapon to protect their families from the criminal scum that throngs our society. With a 20 round mag of the .308 Winchester cartridge that can be changed in just seconds, it will blow-a-hole even in the most elusive game from a distance of up to 500 yards or more.
To amplify this capability beyond 500, you’d need the assistance of reliable and precision-based optics or scopes. With the best scopes for AR-10, you are looking at a lightweight beast that can hit with brute force from over 600 yards away. That’s going to rattle the bones of anyone who dares to threaten your family and will make them quiver in their boots.
But at a time when cheap Chinese made imports are flooding the market, it’s easy to be ripped off by a low-quality replica that’s being peddled by all and sundry. That’s where we can help.
We help you pick the best of the lot by doing the hard work. We dig around for information, read reviews, check average ratings on Amazon, speak to people who have owned the AR series of rifles, ask hunters who wouldn’t part with their AR-10 for any glossy semi-auto, speak to ex-army men who have gunned down the bad guy hiding in the trenches and bring to you the cream of the world of scopes that’s not only top rated but also affordable.
Top 5 Best Scope For AR-10 – Comparison Table
| Image | Description | Magnification | Objective Lens | Length | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 - Nikon 6729 ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope ** Editor's Choice - Best AR-10 Scope ** | 4 - 12x | 40mm | 14.1 inches | 9.4 | |
 | #2 - UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope ** Best Budget AR-10 Scope ** | 3 - 12x | 44mm | 11.1 inches | 8.6 | |
 | #3 - Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope | 4 - 12x | 40mm | 14 inches | 8.8 | |
 | #4 - Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle-223 Riflescope | 1 - 4x | 24mm | 9.4 inches | 8.4 | |
 | #5 - Nikon M-308 SF 4-16x42mm Riflescope | 4 - 16x | 42mm | 15.5 inches | 9.1 |
Top 5 Best AR-10 Scope Reviews
#1 – Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
** Editor’s Choice – Best AR-10 Scope **
It’s no surprise that the #1 rated riflescope for the AR-10 comes from Nikon, a trusted brand for its superior quality optical make and often, the preferred choice for professional photographers, hunters and of course Uncle Sam.
The Nikon Prosftaff 4-12 x 40 is one of the finest riflescopes in the market, and it is one of the most popular offerings from Nikon for the AR-10. Featuring multi-coated lenses, a zero-reset turret and a much-desired eye relief that protects your brow, the Prostaff 4-12 x 40 will give you the edge that you deserve in the field.
The Review
Out of the box, the Prostaff 4-12 x 40 has a solid feel to it. It has a polymer and aluminum construction which is durable and weather resistant. It’s not heavy, mind you. But it’s not flimsy either. You know instantly that you are getting a well-constructed product, which is a relief in today’s times.
The images are clear and crisp. Even more than some of the higher priced scopes in the 4-12 range. Nikon’s patented BDC reticle with its unique see-through circles allow you to be a dead-on-target even at 650 yards. This is so advantageous if you are hunting game. And yet, if you are aiming crosshair, it gives you an equally clear picture.
The lenses are multicoated that allows up to 98% of light transmission. If you are hunting at dawn or dusk, which most people normally do, the BDC reticle Prostaff 4-12 x 40 gives you the maximum visibility. Club it with the hand-turned, 1/4-MOA, positive-click reticle adjustments and you can lock-on to just about any target in a heartbeat. The Nikon Prostaff 4-12 x 40 features a zero-reset turret. So, you just have to pull the turret up to reset it to zero, rather than removing the screw and resetting it manually.
The constant eye relief of 3.7 inches is slightly more than the standard. And it protects your brow from any serious recoil that you may experience.
Features
- Rugged polymer and aluminum body
- 4-12x magnification
- Multicoated optical lenses
- 7 inches constant eye relief
- BDC reticle with see-through ballistic circles
- 98% light transmission for low light areas
- Hand turned 1/4-MOA, positive-click reticle adjustments for ultimate precision ->> full features and specs
The Verdict
If you are looking for an extremely versatile scope for the AR-10 that’s equally pocket-friendly, go with the Nikon Prostaff 4-12 x 40. You cannot go wrong with this.
#2 – UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope, AO, 36-color Mil-dot, Rings
** Best Budget AR-10 Scope **
There are two things that make or break your riflescope when it is mounted on your AR-10. The ability to accurately zero down on your target and the ability of the scope to hold on to zero, even as you crank up the magnification and hit targets that are further away.
The UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope scores high on both these factors. It is one of the best scopes for AR-10 that has an entry-level pricing and features that rival higher priced models.
The Review
While the old ‘You get what you pay for adage’ surely holds true when it comes to riflescopes and quality optics, the UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope is a refreshing change. It is a well-constructed rifle scope that delivers utmost precision and crystal-clear visibility in the field.
The 30 mm tube is completely sealed and nitrogen filled, making it the perfect scope to use in all kinds of weather. It will hold true even if it’s foggy or you have the nastiest recoil.
The multi emerald coated 44 mm objective lens allows maximum visibility in low light conditions. And if that’s not enough, you can always activate theEZ-TAP® Illumination Enhancing (IE) system that enhances the visibility and can be personalized by choosing a color of your preference.
A built-in memory feature, allows you to store the illumination setting that you liked the most and reuse it, whenever you wish to.
The special circuit and housing design prevent illumination loss even during heavy recoil with the AR-10.
For target locking, the estimating scope with milidot, the 1/4″ click value at the rate of every 100 yards, the premium zero locking feature and the zero resetting turrets, lets you hit the most distant targets accurately and consistently.
Features
- Durable 30 mm sealed and shock resistant body
- 3-12x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Estimating scope with milidot in 36 different colors
- Illumination enhancing
- Illumination memory system
- Zero reset turrets
- Built-in sunshade and flip open lens cap
- 4 feet to 34 feet field of view >> full features and specs
The Verdict
A Very strong contender in the list of best scopes for AR-10. This is a budget-priced all-purpose scope. In fact, considering the features, it can be called downright cheap. From hunting big game to shooting the occasional vermin, this is a versatile choice.
#3 – Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope
With a single piece Aircraft-Grade Aluminum construction, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 Riflescope is one of the most durable scopes in its price range. But what makes this such a popular scope among Elk hunters is beyond the aesthetics or durability.
This is a fine optical equipment that is going to give you a clear advantage in the field. It is strong, it has excellent magnification, allows you to lock on to targets with meticulous precision and is incredibly simple to fine-tune on-the-go.
The Review
As we mentioned before, you can feel the difference between the Vortex Diamondback and other scopes in this price range, the moment you hold it. The solid single-piece, aluminum-alloy aircraft-grade construction stands out, and it will prevent magnum recoil.
But the real fun begins when you mount it on the gun. You will be amazed at the clarity when you take your first view through the scope. It is crystal clear and sharp. The anti-reflective coatings on the lenses increase light transmission at dawn, dusk or in a shaded part of the woods.
The O-ring seals will keep it weatherproof allowing you to carry it for all kinds of hunting and target shooting expeditions.
It is purged with argon gas to prevent fogging, even in the not-so-desirable weather conditions.
The reticle focusing is fast. You will lock down on your target in the blink of an eye and be ready to shoot irrespective of whether it is 600 yards away or crosshair. The turret resetting is equally easy and effective, and it is capped giving it the much-needed protection it deserves.
Features
- Single piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Rugged and durable
- O-ring seal keeps its moisture and dust proof
- Purged with argon gas to prevent internal fogging
- Matte finish gives you the perfect camouflage
- Multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission
- Easy and fast reticle focusing
- Lifetime warranty >> full features and specs
The Verdict
The Vortex Diamondback is a beast and its cheap too. It is designed for the rugged terrain, allows you to focus fast and gives you clear visibility. Own one, and you will never pay for a higher priced scope again.
#4 – Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets and Throw Down PCL, 1-4x 24mm
Irrespective of whether you are brand loyal or just awed by the quality of optics that Bushnell makes, you cannot ignore a sturdy and quality riflescope for the AR-10 made by the brand. The Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets stands true to the brand and delivers a near flawless performance in the field.
The Review
Like most other mid-range priced scopes, the Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 has a rugged anodized aluminum alloy construction that makes it incredibly lightweight but extremely durable. It is sealed to perfection to keep out external elements that can otherwise damage the optics. The single piece Millett aluminum scope mounts perfectly on most AR mount rifles.
To assist in low-light shooting and hunting, the scope features a multicoated lens that boosts light transmission considerably delivering HD quality images. The first focal plane gives this amazing accuracy, and the BDC remains constant no matter how much you crank up the magnification.
The illuminated BTR-1 reticle provides excellent brightness even on an incredibly bright and sunny day reducing the strain on your eyes and allowing you to holdover on the targets up to 500 yards away.
Target turrets at .1 mil click value provide incredible precision. The only caveat is that they are not lockable. But to compensate for this, they have a positive click value which prevents accidental changes.
To allow fast and effortless power changes in the field, the Bushnell BTR-1 features a Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever) which is a brand exclusive.
Features
- Anodized aluminum alloy construction
- Extremely lightweight
- Sealed to perfection to keep out external elements
- Multicoated optics
- First focal plane
- Illuminated BTR-1 reticle
- Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever)
- Target turrets (.1 Mil click value) >> full features and specs
The Verdict
The Bushnell BTR-1 is an all-around performer. It has great optical quality, razor-sharp images, great illumination, power changes in a flash and a rugged construction that should last for years with good care. Does complete justice to your AR-10 as evident from many a review on Amazon.
#5 – Nikon M-308 Tactical Scope
With most other brands venturing into the caliber specific scope range, Nikon is not too late to join the party. After the P-22 and the P-223, they hit a home run with the Nikon M-308 Tactical Scope for the .308 aficionados.
If I were to sum up the M-308 in one word, it would be ‘fast’. It lets you focus in microseconds and to pinpoint accuracy too. Not much more you can ask for a scope when you are out hunting. But that’s not all. It manages to impress with a gaggle of benefits that one comes to expect from a brand like Nikon.
The Review
This long-range tactical scope from Nikon features a heavy duty construction that is weatherproof and designed for long-term outdoor performance. It will deter fog and water and keep the focus locked even in a recoil heavy rifle.
The Nikoplex reticle, which has been a standard with hunters allows easy and fast target locking. Club this with the rapid action turret, and you have a winner on your hands. For the ones who prefer the holdover style, it features a BDC 800 reticle that has circles, hash marks, and dots which provide multiple holdover points till the desired distance.
The m-308 comes with a one-piece solid mount that not only saves you money but also gives you the much-needed elevation adjustment while shooting long distance. To top it off, it offers 4 “of constant eye relief which is more than the standard of 3.5 and is excellent while handling recoil-heavy rifles.
The tactical turret provides micro-adjustments at your fingertips, and they can be reset in a jiffy by just pulling it up and resetting it to zero.
For target shooters, the side focus parallax is a neat and value proposition to an ingeniously designed package from Nikon.
The Features
- Multicoated optics for enhanced light transmission
- Nikoplex reticle
- Tactical turrets
- Comes with a M-308 One-piece Mount
- 4″ of constant eye relief
- One-piece anodized aluminum main body tube
- Mount Ring Spacing
- Side focus parallax >> full features and specs
The Verdict
The Nikon M-308 is an exceptional quality scope for the AR-10. It gives you crisp and bright optics along with enough features to make life easier when you are looking at a target more than 300 yards away. This will help you bag that trophy for sure.
These are the best scopes for AR-10 that have been cherry picked on the basis of their features and their versatility. So, from shooting varmint to keeping your house safe, bright day or a dark evening, these will help get the job done.
