Assault rifles are powerful weapons that can do a lot of damage while also maintaining accuracy if the scope is right. One such assault rifle is the Scar 17, made by FN. This rifle with a .308 chambering will allow for big game hunting. The chamber in it is also quite easy to obtain and sports a manageable recoil. Thus, all these make the Scar 17 an exciting option.
Bear in mind that being an assault rifle, its accuracy reduces no matter your level of expertise. This is where a high-quality optic that perfectly matches the Scar 17 rifle comes into play. By using the matching scope on the Scar 17, you can immediately boost its accuracy and improve your shooting, be it for hunting, home defense, or leisure.
There are so many optics that are perfect for the Scar 17, but how do you find this from the plethora of options available without wasting resources and time? A guide like this makes such a difficult decision straightforward by doing the work and bringing only the best.
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24
Our Top Recommendation for Optics For Scar 17!
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E scope, like the name implies, is an enhanced optic that significantly boosts shooting with the scar 17 rifle. Its user experience is also great.
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Table of Contents
Best Scar 17 Optics in 2023
The importance of a quality optic on your Scar 17 cannot be overstated; however, selecting a suitable optic is no mean feat without the right information. Here is the information showing you some of the best optics that are suitable for use on the Scar 17.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 | • Magnification of 1-6x • Objective lens diameter of 24mm • Illuminated JM-1 BDC reticle | View Price | |
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Rifle Scope | • Magnification of 3.5x • Objective lens diameter of 35mm • 10 reticle options | View Price | |
EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight | • Objective lens diameter of 21.6mm • Magnification of 1x • Long-lasting batteries | View Price | |
Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Reflex Sight | • Magnification of 1x • Objective lens diameter of 38mm • It comes with built-in lens covers | View Price | |
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I 1-4×24 | • Magnification of 1-4x • Objective lens diameter of 24mm • Easy to zero | View Price | |
Bushnell 3-9×40 Rifle Scope | • Objective lens diameter of 40mm • Good eye relief of 3.5 inches • Magnification of 3-9x | View Price | |
Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II | • Magnification of 1x • Objective lens diameter of 22mm • Lightweight and compact | View Price | |
UUQ 4-16×50 Tactical Rifle Scope | • Magnification of 4-16x • Objective lens diameter of 50mm • Illuminated mil-dot reticle | View Price | |
UTG 3-9×32 1″ BugBuster Scope | • Magnification of 3-9x • Objective lens diameter of 32mm • Extremely affordable | View Price |
1. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24
This vortex optics razor HD second generation scope comes with a magnification of 1-6x, which signifies it is best suited when shooting short to medium distances. Its 24 mm objective lens diameter provides a wide inlet for the light which produces crisp images. The lens is apochromatic, which increases focus by adjusting the virtual spectrum, so the image gets even better. The 1x range is almost a true magnification that makes it possible to be used without getting any distorted image.
The scope is not the lightest at 21.5 ounces while it sports a 30mm tube. Its length is slightly above 10 inches while it is 1.8 inches high. Its objective lens size is portable, while its turrets are low profile to ensure nothing sticks out uncomfortably when mounted on the Scar 17.
Vortex utilizes so many features to ensure an excellent view. The lenses are fully multi-coated with several light filtering layers. One such coating used on the lenses is XR™Plus which prevents light reflection. You can also lock in illumination with the use of the central dot with locking illumination.
The reticle used in this vortex scope is a JM-1 BDC reticle that is illuminated, so you can use it in dark conditions. Its 10 brightness settings continue to provide variance when it comes to choosing the best amount of light entering the scope at every point in time. The second focal plane scope will comfortably handle anything from 0-to 600 yards.
This scope is made with a lot of durability features with the fully multi-coated lenses acting as protection against dust, scratches, and more. The hard anodized finish with a brown feel to it also acts as protection against scratches while being more difficult to see in the dark.
Using the scope is easy to zero with rubberized turrets. However, it can be quite difficult to adjust the turrets when it is tight. It is a high-end scope costing a considerable amount but is worth every penny with the kind of features vortex put in it.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-6x
- Objective lens diameter of 24mm
- Excellent optics
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 10 brightness settings
- Illuminated JM-1 BDC reticle
- Durable scope
Cons
- Not affordable
- Turrets may be too stiff
2. Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Rifle Scope
ACOG scopes are heavy-hitters known to handle a lot without issues. This Trijicon ACOG scope comes with a fixed magnification range of 3.5x, which means you cannot adjust its range. This magnification can effortlessly handle short distances. The objective lens here is wide at 35mm. For a scope with a maximum magnification of 3.5x, this objective lens allows a lot of light in for quality images.
It is an illuminated scope that can function without battery power so you do not run out of battery and lose your vision. It uses dual illumination in the firm of fiber optics and tritium. While fiber optics gathers light during the day, the tritium uses that light to cause a glow in the dark. The illumination will also auto-adjust to the brightness setting in use, so you don’t have to waste time trying to match the two.
ACOG scopes are made specifically for tough usage and come with the necessary features that enable it. It is perfect for rifles chambered in .308 like the Scar 17. The scope is made from high-standard aircraft-grade aluminum with the classic ACOG build, making it as durable as it comes. The fully multi-coated lenses also protect the lens from damage.
The glass used in this scope is clear, while there are 10 different reticle options you can choose. Includes three color options also, with red and green being the most popular picks among shooters.
The scope is only 8 inches long and is fairly compact aside from its large objective lens raising the overall height. The eye relief here is 2.4 inches which may not be the best but is workable. It weighs 14 ounces.
Pros
- Magnification of 3.5x
- Objective lens diameter of 35mm
- Durable scope
- Clear glass
- Illumination functions without a battery
- 10 reticle options
- 3 dot colors
Cons
- It is an expensive scope
- Cannot be used for long-range shooting
3. EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Away from scopes for a minute, here’s a holographic weapon sight that you’ll love on your Scar 17 rifle. The EOTech 512 sight is a beast when it comes to accuracy which is further helped by its lack of magnification. This means it is only suited for short distances that the regular eye can reach, but what it lacks in range makes up for accuracy. The objective lens diameter is 21.6mm, which is great for a sight without magnification and only shooting short distances.
The high accuracy this scope boasts of is influenced by its accurate 30 yards field of view. It comes with an amazing 20 brightness level for almost any light condition you may encounter. Almost, because it does not come with night vision and as such, cannot be used in the dark. However, it can still be used in low light because of its wide brightness level ranges.
It uses an A65 reticle with IMOA aiming dot that is in a 65 MOA outer circle dot. This reticle provides superb and accurate images with the help of the laser-transmitted multi-dimensional image. Both eyes should be open when using this sight.
It is water-resistant up to 10ft and sports a robust build while remaining compact and lightweight so it can comfortably go on your Scar 17 without significantly increasing the overall weight. It weighs only 11.5 ounces. However, its length can be a big problem for some people. It is also shock resistant which means it can be used in tough terrains.
It uses two 1.5 volts AA batteries with a lifetime of up to 500 hours giving you a long use time before you have to replace them. Also, the batteries are easy to find so you shouldn’t have any problem here. Once the system is set for auto shut down, you can save a lot of battery power as the sight automatically shuts down when not in use for some time.
Its unlimited eye relief is no surprise as it is a holographic sight, this gives you a lot of room to adjust and use the sight as you deem fit.
Pros
- Magnification of 1x
- Objective lens diameter of 21.6mm
- Long-lasting batteries that are easy to get
- Large sight window that allows for faster target acquisition
- Affordable
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
- Too long
Bonus Read: 6 Best 300 Win Mag Scope in 2023 [Our Top Recommendations]
4. Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Reflex Sight
If you’re looking for a reliable sight for your Scar 17, Aimpoint pro may just be for you. As a reflex sight, it has no magnification and, as such, is best suited for short-distance shooting. The objective lens diameter is set at 38mm, which lets light into the sight. For a sight with 1x magnification, this objective lens size let’s light work on the image it produces.
The glass is clear and fully multi-coated for better light transmission through the tube and to act as protection against damage. The coatings also prevent glare which is a huge plus, seeing that this scope is mostly used for home defense.
This superb Aimpoint pro red dot sight is one you can rely upon not to disappoint you. It is built to be on when you need it, and that is why its battery is incredible. Aimpoint claims that the battery for this red dot can last for 30,000 hours of use when it is set at brightness level 7.
With 10 brightness levels, including a dedicated level for an extra bright light that you can use under the full glare of the sun, this scope covers everything. It has 4 brightness settings for night vision.
The sight is compact and lightweight, weighing only 7.68 ounces. Its height of 3.38 inches, width of 4.63 inches, and length of 6.75 inches mean it doesn’t obstruct your view when mounted on the Scar 17. It comes with unlimited eye relief and is submersible in water up to 150 ft while sporting a durable build.
Pros
- Magnification of 1x
- Objective lens diameter of 38mm
- 10 brightness settings
- Incredible battery life
- Water-resistant and durable build
- Compact and lightweight
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- It comes with built-in lens covers
Cons
- Aimpoint warranty is poor
5. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen I 1-4×24
Another vortex optics scope makes this list in the form of the PST Gen I scope. This scope has a variable magnification ranging from 1-4x which covers short distances and some medium distances. The 24mm objective lens diameter creates a window for light to enter the tube and produce crisp images.
The reticle comes with special crosshairs that allow it to function as both a red dot and compact scope when set at 1x and 4x magnifications, respectively. It is a solid scope made from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it can last for a long time. It is O-ring sealed, and the 30mm tube is purged with argon to make it both waterproof and fog proof.
The glass is clear with extra-low dispersion for better image quality. There is a dedicated turret for illumination with tactical turrets for adjusting elevation and windage. Because it is used for short-distance shooting, it sports a second focal plane reticle.
The warranty for this product, like most vortex optics products, is a no question asked lifetime warranty which is a strong pull for many people.
Pros
- Magnification of 1-4x
- Objective lens diameter of 24mm
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Clear glass
- Perfect for distances under 200 yards
- Easy to zero
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited to short-range shooting
6. Bushnell 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
This is a Bushnell riflescope with magnification starting from 3 to 9x and covers ranges up to 600 yards perfectly. It is fitted with a large objective lens diameter of 40mm so the right out of light can enter and produce crisp images.
This extremely affordable scope is perfect for people that still want to maintain quality while on a budget. With the turrets, you can zero quickly. It also sports a side focus parallax starting from 10 yards to infinity.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to protect against scratches and dust. The scope is waterproof and purged to make it fogproof. This way, you can use it in wet conditions. It uses a BDC drop zone 223 second focal plane reticle so you can easily hold it. Its 3.5 inches of eye relief is great and will ensure you can easily sight your target without the fear of injuries from recoil.
The product is also covered by Bushnell’s no questions asked transferable lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Magnification of 3 to 9x
- Objective lens of 40mm
- Extremely affordable
- Good eye relief of 3.5 inches
- Transferable lifetime warranty
- Side focus parallax from 10 yards to infinity
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Glass quality can be better
7. Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II
This vortex crossfire red dot is an affordable sight with 1x magnification and 22mm objective lens diameter. It covers short-range shooting providing improved accuracy for your Scar 17 rifle.
Vortex is a well-known brand producing quality optics for decades. It is an extremely affordable sight but doesn’t let this fool you; this red dot possesses qualities far above its price range.
Made from 6060 aluminum and finished with a hard, anodized coating to produce a durable construction that withstands rough terrains. It is an O-ring sealed to keep water out. The turrets are covered with turret caps that make it possible for you to make adjustments with your hands. If you remove the caps, you can use a screwdriver to achieve zero.
When used at the two lowest brightness settings, the battery can last up to 50,000 hours of usage. It is also compatible for day and night time shooting, so no matter what time of the day you decide to use your rifle, this red dot has you covered.
Like all red dots, it spots an unlimited eye relief while being compact and lightweight, only weighing 5.2 ounces.
Pros
- Magnification of 1x
- Objective lens diameter of 22mm
- Unlimited eye relief
- Extremely affordable
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
8. UUQ 4-16×50 Tactical Rifle Scope
Your Scar 17 rifle can do with a UUQ rifle capable of producing accurate shots while in the budget scope range. This scope has a magnification of 4 to a whopping 16x, covering a wide distance from medium to long-range shooting. This is supported by its 50mm wide objective lens. This lens is for light transmission into the tube producing crisp images even at higher magnification.
The windage and elevation turrets are easy to hold and adjust, while the multi-coated lens ensures you get good image quality. It comes fitted with a mil-dot reticle known for its excellent range estimation abilities. It is illuminated, and you have the option of choosing from blue, green, and red.
Its construction is high quality leading to a shockproof, waterproof and fog proof scope. The performance of this scope is excellent considering its price range of under $100. It is a heavy scope weighing 26.45 ounces which will significantly increase the overall weight of your set-up.
Pros
- Magnification of 4-16x
- Objective lens diameter of 50mm
- Affordable scope
- Illuminated mil-dot reticle
- Parallax adjustment is available
Cons
- It is a heavy scope
9. UTG 3-9×32 1″ BugBuster Scope
This Leapers UTG scope represents the most affordable option in this list with an impressive combination of features for such an affordable scope. It starts with a magnification range of 3 to 9x and an accompanying objective lens diameter of 32mm. It ensures your medium-range shooting accuracy is improved tremendously. Images start getting distorted once you pass the 8x magnification range.
It is 8.1 inches long and weighs 14 ounces which is not bad for a rifle scope. There’s a side parallax that works from 3 yards to infinity, allowing you to shoot shorter distances with utmost precision. It uses the classical red dot IR reticle that is illuminated in green or red. With a dedicated illumination turret.
The scope rings are quick to detach for easy removal and are also dependable, holding everything in place. The scope is made from a combination of aluminum and polymer to produce a durable body.
Pros
- Magnification range of 3-9x
- Objective lens diameter of 32mm
- Extremely affordable
- Classical illuminated red dot IR reticle
- Good eye relief of 3.2 to 4.2 inches
Cons
- Light transmission can be better
- Sunshade does not provide enough cover
- The ring mount is too low
Summary
If you have the ever-dependable Scar 17 assault rifle you’ll need an equally powerful sight to go with it. The good thing is that there’s a wide range of suitable optics across different brands and price ranges you can consider. Instead of allowing you to go through the stress of finding out the best, we’ve done the work for you and listed some of the best in this guide.