hey guys, I’m working on building an AR10. It’s almost done, I just need a barrel, and scope. I was thinking possibly a 1x8 or if the deal is too good maybe 1x6. I wasn’t sure if I want the strike eagle or the primary arms one. My budget is going to be around $500. I’m hoping to purchase around Black Friday and possibly get it on sale,or possibly with a free mount. I’ve been seeing the strike eagle for $499 with a vortex mount. What do you guys think? Do you have expierence with these? Or have any others you could recommend? Thanks!
Scope for AR10?
- Thread starter Gardnaaa
- Start date
For my AR 308s I have variable powered scopes on most of them. On one I have a Bushnell Halographic sight ( the original late 1980s version). It is good enough from 25 to 200 yards.
I really only have access to 100yards at the moment. So I was thinking if I went 1x8 it would let me use it up close and at a decent distance. Plus if SHTF it would be good all around. I was also looking at a vortex diamondback tactical 4x12x40. Not sure if that is good, I have to research the magnification and what the numbers mean. I only own 1 scope, and it was a cheapo one.
Jaywmustang
.308 Win
I have a vortex pst 4-16x50 on mine......before my boating accident.
ProgSpear
.338 Win Mag
I can shoot 1 MOA with my Browning A-Bolt .308 at 200 yards with a Leupold 2-7x33 VX-1. Certainly not their best scope, and can be found for under $200. It's not "tactical" but the price is right, and if you break it somehow, you're not going to go into a total funk.
I have a could of Minoxs scopes they are excellent and I have a couple of Vortex aswell I think the Minoxs are a better deal.
I have a 3x9 scope I keep for new builds and to swop out on to guns that have zeroing issues (you'll be surprised how many bad scope I've seen)
I have a 3x9 scope I keep for new builds and to swop out on to guns that have zeroing issues (you'll be surprised how many bad scope I've seen)
freddy
.308 Win
What is the most important intended role of this rifle? ...Paper? ...Four legged animals? ...Or two legged animals?
Eddie Gunks
.338 Win Mag
Ammunition masturbation.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I agree if you are going to get something that starts w/o magnification then go as far as you can with a good quality glass and reliable scope and adjustments. That is versatility, versatility is freedom to choose.
I would buy a scope from a optics manufacturer that dedicate themselves to design, assemble and service scopes.
Primary Arms is a retailer not an optics manufacturer. Their scopes are OEM products designed and built for them.
Also be open on budget. I understand 500 is your goal but if something really good shows up on sale for 700 do not
toss that option away or it might be wiser saving for later. A good quality glass will always stay with you. Some
manufacturers have lifetime warranties on them.
People will give you 1000 recommendations some good and some not so good but the first thing to know is that
the most important part of the optical solution are your own eyes. So when we say 1 to 8 well it might not be
100% precisely and when we say picture looks awesome, well it might look for me.
you see, we all have different set of eyes and that is why whatever you buy you should try to find a dealer and
look through a scope and do some simple tests. The first thing you do is to adjust your ocular piece to match
your vision. Then find different backgrounds at distances and get a feel for the actual magnification ratio.
I have scopes that have less magnification on paper that you can identify small objects at a distance much easier
due to the wider angle and contrast.
So everything is relative. do some research that show tracking tests for that scope work and find something
that is meaningful and easy to use if you have to do adjustments. first focal plane is the way to go in my
opinion as well as uniform units of measure but if you have a compensating reticle then make sure it works
in practical terms. Most BDC, comp reticles in 2nd focal plane work to a degree but in reality are not
precise when put to long distance and real world tests. Not the youtube infomercial reviews but the real
deal.
Also do not discard the scopes starting a 1.5 or even 2 magnification because you might be able to get
a lot more glass and features and the low end versatility still pretty good. At close ranges a 1.5 or even 2 magnification
is something the brain can put together very quickly and and effectively. Co-hosting sights will not
work but who really needs them anyway?
If you want we can talk about some options and while this might seem too involved the idea is to
simplify. Anyone can shoot short range with many things. The hard thing is to put the bullet where
you want all the time no matter the distance.
I would buy a scope from a optics manufacturer that dedicate themselves to design, assemble and service scopes.
Primary Arms is a retailer not an optics manufacturer. Their scopes are OEM products designed and built for them.
Also be open on budget. I understand 500 is your goal but if something really good shows up on sale for 700 do not
toss that option away or it might be wiser saving for later. A good quality glass will always stay with you. Some
manufacturers have lifetime warranties on them.
People will give you 1000 recommendations some good and some not so good but the first thing to know is that
the most important part of the optical solution are your own eyes. So when we say 1 to 8 well it might not be
100% precisely and when we say picture looks awesome, well it might look for me.
you see, we all have different set of eyes and that is why whatever you buy you should try to find a dealer and
look through a scope and do some simple tests. The first thing you do is to adjust your ocular piece to match
your vision. Then find different backgrounds at distances and get a feel for the actual magnification ratio.
I have scopes that have less magnification on paper that you can identify small objects at a distance much easier
due to the wider angle and contrast.
So everything is relative. do some research that show tracking tests for that scope work and find something
that is meaningful and easy to use if you have to do adjustments. first focal plane is the way to go in my
opinion as well as uniform units of measure but if you have a compensating reticle then make sure it works
in practical terms. Most BDC, comp reticles in 2nd focal plane work to a degree but in reality are not
precise when put to long distance and real world tests. Not the youtube infomercial reviews but the real
deal.
Also do not discard the scopes starting a 1.5 or even 2 magnification because you might be able to get
a lot more glass and features and the low end versatility still pretty good. At close ranges a 1.5 or even 2 magnification
is something the brain can put together very quickly and and effectively. Co-hosting sights will not
work but who really needs them anyway?
If you want we can talk about some options and while this might seem too involved the idea is to
simplify. Anyone can shoot short range with many things. The hard thing is to put the bullet where
you want all the time no matter the distance.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
some ideas, something to look at...
A bit over your budget but good glass and nice features....
Sig Sauer TANGO6 Rifle Scope - 1-6x24mm 30mm FFP Illuminated 5.56-7.62 Horseshoe Dot Reticle .5 MOA Adj Graphite | Natchez
Vortex Viper PST Gen II Rifle Scope - 2-10x32mm FFP EBR-4 MOA Reticle Black - Rifle Scopes - Optics | Natchez
.
.
.
.
Refurbished but a great price for a FFP with mil-mil formula...
REFURBISHED Burris XTR II Rifle Scope - 2-10x-42mm G2B Mil-Dot FFP Black Matte | Natchez
.
.
.
This is possibly the best value one is going to find. I know is not the ideal magnification but it is perfect for the 308.
Nothing too thrilling but they are made in japan with japanese tubes, japanese camera lenses and a first focal plane with a mil mil (army dot) arrengment and tactical turrets that track to the T. these are heavier because of the quality, heavy duty stuff.
At the prices Natchezss has for some of the weavers is hard to pass on this...
Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-15x50mm SF Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez
.
.
.
.
XTR2 1.5-8 with dual plane. It is a comp reticle so will not be as versatile as reticle in a uniform standard unit of measure
but folks report good results with this system as the stadia part of the retical is in frist focal plane while the shoe horse stays
the same for close range. Others can comment on this one.
Burris XTR II Rifle Scope - 1.5-8x28mm Illum. XTR II Ballistic 5.56 G3 Reticle Matte | Natchez
A bit over your budget but good glass and nice features....
Sig Sauer TANGO6 Rifle Scope - 1-6x24mm 30mm FFP Illuminated 5.56-7.62 Horseshoe Dot Reticle .5 MOA Adj Graphite | Natchez
Vortex Viper PST Gen II Rifle Scope - 2-10x32mm FFP EBR-4 MOA Reticle Black - Rifle Scopes - Optics | Natchez
.
.
.
.
Refurbished but a great price for a FFP with mil-mil formula...
REFURBISHED Burris XTR II Rifle Scope - 2-10x-42mm G2B Mil-Dot FFP Black Matte | Natchez
.
.
.
This is possibly the best value one is going to find. I know is not the ideal magnification but it is perfect for the 308.
Nothing too thrilling but they are made in japan with japanese tubes, japanese camera lenses and a first focal plane with a mil mil (army dot) arrengment and tactical turrets that track to the T. these are heavier because of the quality, heavy duty stuff.
At the prices Natchezss has for some of the weavers is hard to pass on this...
Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-15x50mm SF Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez
.
.
.
.
XTR2 1.5-8 with dual plane. It is a comp reticle so will not be as versatile as reticle in a uniform standard unit of measure
but folks report good results with this system as the stadia part of the retical is in frist focal plane while the shoe horse stays
the same for close range. Others can comment on this one.
Burris XTR II Rifle Scope - 1.5-8x28mm Illum. XTR II Ballistic 5.56 G3 Reticle Matte | Natchez
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
The 4x32 ACOG is a service scope and they have very good lenses and fov but imo they are limited to a fighting scope.
They are great, but I like to have more versatility for any use.
What model? They make lots of them.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I think in terms of basic quality is going to be fine but make sure you understand the limitations
of a fixed parallax and a 2nd focal plane.
In this case starting a 2.5 power the 3-15 weaver tactical is superior in every single way.
The weaver doesn't have illumination but it is not really needed from very dark dawn to dusk.
out of the $1K bracket is hard unless one is looking at some of the popular 2-7 or 3-9 tubes that will give
more quality and features for the same amount of money simply because they are the most popular
magnification ranges for all type of use so you get more for your money.
It is a hard call because in FFP you have the 2-10 veracity but it is a comp reticle although well tought out
but then for a bit more you have the 2-10 TRII with a mil mil formula.
The other option is to save some money and for the moment buy something that is good for your rifle
but that is also good for many other rifles that doesn't cost much and is well proven.
There is a 2-7 burris fulfield E1 with in firs focal for around 200.
But another reason for a X5 ratio and larger high end like the weaver 3-15 is that you will not need
side optcis to check your shots and targets. so it gives huge versatility.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I know this can get a bit complicated but we can explain what this all means.
Some simple questions:
- I think you like the scope for fairly close range and wide field of view. But do you really need a starting x1 magnification and why?
- Do you want to be able to see your impacts at 100 or 200 yards w/o the need for a secondary optic like binoculars or spotting scope?
- Would you like to be able to range the distance of a target whether is game or an enemy combatant? One can do this with a range
finder but what about when all batteries are gone or a RF is not avaialble? would you like to learn how to do this and have a scope
that helps with this task?
- Do you want the scope to be very small and light or a mid size is ok? Normally small scopes are limited so it is a trade-off but there
are some popular ones that are pretty light, some even lighter than the smallest ones.
- Would you like a scope that you can use to glass the horizon like looking for game or surveilance? ...yet at the same time would
you like to be able to zoom in and identify small targets and details at a distance? Sometimes you cannot shoot what you cannot
see and there are situations where small targets can present themselves and it doesn't have to be prairie dogs in the distance only.
- Is important to you a company that has a lifetime warranty and good service vs. one that is hard to get help from should that
ever be needed?
Give it some thought?
Some simple questions:
- I think you like the scope for fairly close range and wide field of view. But do you really need a starting x1 magnification and why?
- Do you want to be able to see your impacts at 100 or 200 yards w/o the need for a secondary optic like binoculars or spotting scope?
- Would you like to be able to range the distance of a target whether is game or an enemy combatant? One can do this with a range
finder but what about when all batteries are gone or a RF is not avaialble? would you like to learn how to do this and have a scope
that helps with this task?
- Do you want the scope to be very small and light or a mid size is ok? Normally small scopes are limited so it is a trade-off but there
are some popular ones that are pretty light, some even lighter than the smallest ones.
- Would you like a scope that you can use to glass the horizon like looking for game or surveilance? ...yet at the same time would
you like to be able to zoom in and identify small targets and details at a distance? Sometimes you cannot shoot what you cannot
see and there are situations where small targets can present themselves and it doesn't have to be prairie dogs in the distance only.
- Is important to you a company that has a lifetime warranty and good service vs. one that is hard to get help from should that
ever be needed?
Give it some thought?
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
My thoughts on the Vortex 1-8 strike eagle...
If one likes a 1 magnification that can go all the way to 8 seems like a pretty wide range.
A 1.5 and x2 magnification is also practical in terms of close range so I would exchange a 1-8 for a 2-10 because
the extra 2 power on the high end gives more than what the x2 takes away in the low end.
Again this is just my opinion. Also do not assume a x8 or x10 is precisely that magnification, sometimes this is not
100% accurate.
So this brings us to the 100 yards to be able to see onces impacts w/o an additional optic.
I think a clear 8 power will allow to see 30 caliber impact in ideal conditions with targets where hits can be easily
identified. One will not see the actual impacts but will be able to discriminate the impact area and of course
this depends pretty much on ones vision to start with. So one should adjust the ocular piece and simulate
those conditions. Definitely black targets without a splash compound will be hard to see and also might be hard
with poor lighting and other colors.
A 2-10 power will allow you to clearly see the targets but what is as important as the magnification is the quality
of the lenses that must be free of aberration and any kind of significant distortion at high magnification.
One might be able to discriminate details easier with a high quality lens with lower magnification than a lower
quality lens with a higher magnification.
Vortex is a very good brand and those 1-8 are popular. Optics should be good, possibly chinese high end that
would be ok but what I am not so sure is about the versatility of a 1-8 and 2nd focal plane.
For glassing will work fine but will also loose detail due to the lack of parallax adjustment that is fixed at 100 yards.
That is why I think if one is not going to have the parallax, not the best lenses one should look at a 2-10 power
or even other with more versatility and features.
There are 2-7 scopes that will give more quality of lenses for less money. In practical terms a superior lense in x7
power might give better contrast and quality at 100 yards while a x2 starting power they are still usable for
close range with both eyes opened.
If I want a low end power I would personally stay with the 2-7 or a 2-10 even better if I can find a good quality
one and good deal.
I don't think the 1-8 strike eagle would be a bad scope, it will be fine. My point that there are better choices
and some cheaper if one cannot also invest in superior glass.
If one likes a 1 magnification that can go all the way to 8 seems like a pretty wide range.
A 1.5 and x2 magnification is also practical in terms of close range so I would exchange a 1-8 for a 2-10 because
the extra 2 power on the high end gives more than what the x2 takes away in the low end.
Again this is just my opinion. Also do not assume a x8 or x10 is precisely that magnification, sometimes this is not
100% accurate.
So this brings us to the 100 yards to be able to see onces impacts w/o an additional optic.
I think a clear 8 power will allow to see 30 caliber impact in ideal conditions with targets where hits can be easily
identified. One will not see the actual impacts but will be able to discriminate the impact area and of course
this depends pretty much on ones vision to start with. So one should adjust the ocular piece and simulate
those conditions. Definitely black targets without a splash compound will be hard to see and also might be hard
with poor lighting and other colors.
A 2-10 power will allow you to clearly see the targets but what is as important as the magnification is the quality
of the lenses that must be free of aberration and any kind of significant distortion at high magnification.
One might be able to discriminate details easier with a high quality lens with lower magnification than a lower
quality lens with a higher magnification.
Vortex is a very good brand and those 1-8 are popular. Optics should be good, possibly chinese high end that
would be ok but what I am not so sure is about the versatility of a 1-8 and 2nd focal plane.
For glassing will work fine but will also loose detail due to the lack of parallax adjustment that is fixed at 100 yards.
That is why I think if one is not going to have the parallax, not the best lenses one should look at a 2-10 power
or even other with more versatility and features.
There are 2-7 scopes that will give more quality of lenses for less money. In practical terms a superior lense in x7
power might give better contrast and quality at 100 yards while a x2 starting power they are still usable for
close range with both eyes opened.
If I want a low end power I would personally stay with the 2-7 or a 2-10 even better if I can find a good quality
one and good deal.
I don't think the 1-8 strike eagle would be a bad scope, it will be fine. My point that there are better choices
and some cheaper if one cannot also invest in superior glass.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
IMO if one is going to buy a budget scope with a 2nd focal plane and w/o parallax adjustment this is probably
the best value one is going to find. These tactical models are made in japan like the superslam and larger tactical
ones with the same tubes and quality lenses as the larger ones and a x10 magnification they can be used for raging.
Turrets are also in mils that makes this a mil (Army dot) but with the added benefit of the variable magnification
Turrets lock up and they provide positive click adjustment.
Best price ever....
Weaver Grand Slam Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-10x40mm Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez
In terms of a tactical scope with all the quality and features of expensive scopes this is the best value one is going to find.
These are heavier scopes like most of the quality scopes.
Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-15x50mm SF Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez
Weaver - Tactical Weapons
I can speak to these because I have several and I have been using them for years. I have other scopes but a lot more expensive
and not all necessarily "better" in terms of providing more quality or function.
the best value one is going to find. These tactical models are made in japan like the superslam and larger tactical
ones with the same tubes and quality lenses as the larger ones and a x10 magnification they can be used for raging.
Turrets are also in mils that makes this a mil (Army dot) but with the added benefit of the variable magnification
Turrets lock up and they provide positive click adjustment.
Best price ever....
Weaver Grand Slam Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-10x40mm Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez
In terms of a tactical scope with all the quality and features of expensive scopes this is the best value one is going to find.
These are heavier scopes like most of the quality scopes.
Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-15x50mm SF Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez
Weaver - Tactical Weapons
I can speak to these because I have several and I have been using them for years. I have other scopes but a lot more expensive
and not all necessarily "better" in terms of providing more quality or function.
Cleck
.308 Win
I have a Vortex Diamondback 2-8x32 sitting in my wishlist on Amazon, though I have it saved to put on my AR15, not 10. Less than 10x on a 308 rifle seems kinda odd, and I understand your only having access to 100y right now, but I'd expand it just in case you ever get the chance to stretch your legs.
I just helped my friend sight in a Nikon M308 4-16x42 on his AR10 at 100y, and it was a blast to shoot. I have the P308 on my Savage, and the addition of parallax makes the scope even better.
I just helped my friend sight in a Nikon M308 4-16x42 on his AR10 at 100y, and it was a blast to shoot. I have the P308 on my Savage, and the addition of parallax makes the scope even better.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
There is another one that stands out that is the Burris Veracity 2-10 that has a First focal and parallax adjustment.
I have several burris but not this model but I would put the optics in the same category as Vortex other than their Razor that is top of the line.
They are around 600 but these guys seem to have them for a discount. Not sure about this outlet though. Do your research.
The thing is burris has a lifetime warranty but I never needed anything so far.
BUR 2-10X42 VERACITY BALL E1 FFP MATTE
I would go to a retailer who has one like LGS, cabelas, etc.. and look through them to look through them, adjust the ocular piece and
do some basic tests and check for features. My LGS will match the price I can get online if I ask them or get close that is nice.
Later you can get a custom turret if you want but 1/4 moa should work fine if you do moa corrections. you will also learn the comp
reticle to know how the different marks correspond to a known value or the holdover for your load.
For a bit more you can get a tactical one with uniform uom.
BUR 2-10X42 XTR II ILLUM G2B MILDOT RET FFP XT100
I have several burris but not this model but I would put the optics in the same category as Vortex other than their Razor that is top of the line.
They are around 600 but these guys seem to have them for a discount. Not sure about this outlet though. Do your research.
The thing is burris has a lifetime warranty but I never needed anything so far.
BUR 2-10X42 VERACITY BALL E1 FFP MATTE
I would go to a retailer who has one like LGS, cabelas, etc.. and look through them to look through them, adjust the ocular piece and
do some basic tests and check for features. My LGS will match the price I can get online if I ask them or get close that is nice.
Later you can get a custom turret if you want but 1/4 moa should work fine if you do moa corrections. you will also learn the comp
reticle to know how the different marks correspond to a known value or the holdover for your load.
For a bit more you can get a tactical one with uniform uom.
BUR 2-10X42 XTR II ILLUM G2B MILDOT RET FFP XT100
STS556
.223 Rem
I don't have an AR10 but my brother in law bought one from Bullet Guy a few months ago. I am a big fan of Nikon scopes so I recommended a Nikon Monarch 3 in 4-16x50 BDC. I mounted the scope using the Nikon M-308 mount and zeroed it in for him and he loves it. This magnification and mount allows close range and longer range to take advantage of the .308.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
The nikon scopes have very decent glass, specially the monarch series that uses the same high quality camera japanese camera lense as the weaver tactical above. The only caveat with them are:
A) they do not make many mil dot or moa with matching turrets.
B) They do not make many with first focal plane.
C) Their BDC reticle design is quite coarse and not that easy to estimate corrections.
I still like them specially for my hunting rifles because of their clarity and quality glass.
I wish they were more practical on the features side.
A) they do not make many mil dot or moa with matching turrets.
B) They do not make many with first focal plane.
C) Their BDC reticle design is quite coarse and not that easy to estimate corrections.
I still like them specially for my hunting rifles because of their clarity and quality glass.
I wish they were more practical on the features side.
I would like to be able to see my hits on a target at 100 yards without binoculars or spotting scope, be able to use it to scan the horizon, mid size would be okay because the rifle isn’t going to be light weight at all lol, it doesn’t have to start at 1x but I’d like it to start out in the lower power so that it could be used semi close range even though if SHTF I’d prob just use a handgun if they got that closelooking for something that’s good all around. I’ll check out the Nikon scopes, I own a Nikon DSLR and love it.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Like @meketrefe said, "See if you can try it out before you buy." I'm one of those people that needs a true 1x. I cannot see through a 1.5 x with both eyes open. For some reason, my brain cannot process both images together. With a true 1x, I have no such issues.