The SCAR 17 is a versatile rifle capable of both accurate close-range and effective long-range shooting. It’s used in various scenarios, including tactical, hunting, and recreational shooting.
We understand that the right optic can transform your shooting experience, offering accuracy, reliability, and unmatched performance. In this article, we will be your guide in finding the best optic for your SCAR 17. Whether you’re a tactical shooter, hunter, or enthusiast, our insights will help you make an informed choice that perfectly complements this badass rifle.
How to Choose the Best Optic for SCAR 17
Choosing the best optic for your SCAR 17 rifle doesn’t mean picking just any scope. It involves considering several key factors to ensure your scope not only enhances your shooting experience but also withstands the rugged demands of use. Here’s what to look for:
Features
NightForce NXS 8-32×56
Vortex Viper PST
Leupold Mark 5HD
Trijicon ACOG
EOTech Vudu
Category Average
Overall Score
4.75
3.75
4.5
4.375
4
4.275
Durability and Build Quality
5
3
5
3
5
4.1
Magnification Range and Scope Type
4.5
4.5
4.5
5
4.5
4.4
Reticle Types and Illumination
5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4
4.6
Eye Relief and Field of View
4.5
3
4.5
5
4.5
4
Durability and Build Quality
The SCAR 17 is known for its recoil, so you need an optic that can withstand this. Look for riflescopes made with high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.
Check for weather resistance. Features like waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant designs are essential for a durable optic.
Magnification Range and Scope Type
Determine your primary shooting distance. If you shoot at varied ranges, consider a variable magnification scope.
For close to medium-range, a 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x magnification is typically sufficient. For longer ranges, consider scopes with higher magnification like 3-9x or more.
Reticle Types and Illumination
The reticle choice depends on your preference and shooting style. Options range from simple dot reticles to more complex BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticles.
Consider illuminated reticles if you plan to shoot in low-light conditions. They enhance visibility and accuracy in challenging lighting.
Eye Relief and Field of View
Eye relief is the distance from the rear lens your eye needs to be to see the full image. Longer eye relief can be more comfortable and safer, especially on high-recoil rifles like the SCAR 17.
Field of view refers to the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance. A wider field of view is beneficial for situational awareness, especially at lower magnifications.
Our top pick is perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from close-quarter combat to mid-range precision.
It features a robust construction that’s typical of NightForce, with weather-resistant capabilities, so you know it can withstand rugged use. The ATACR offers exceptional glass quality, ensuring crisp and clear images. Finally, the ZeroStop technology – it allows for a quick return to zero after dialing temporary elevation corrections.
Pros
Illuminated reticle
Night vision-compatible
Clean reticle design
Rugged construction
Cons
Heavy
Pricey
Short battery life (29 hours brightest setting)
Score
Durability and Build Quality Score – 5/5
Its rugged design can handle daily use and abuse.
Magnification Range and Scope Type Score – 4.5/5
Reliable for close to mid-range shooting.
Reticle Types and Illumination Score – 5/5
We love it especially in lowlight scenarios.
Eye Relief and Field of View Score – 4.5/5
Ample eye relief for the SCAR 17’s recoil.
Overall Score – 4.75/5
What Customers Say
Pros: Works great at all ranges tested. Adjustable reticle brightness can go very high so shooting in all conditions is reliable and accurate. Excellent eye relief. Cons: A bit weighty and pricey but both are understandable given the ruggedness and quality.
If you’re planning to use your SCAR 17 under 200 yards, this ACOG scope is more than enough. The 3.5x magnification offers a good balance between close-quarters and longer-range engagements.
Another advantage of the fixed-power design is that there are fewer moving parts. The ACOG’s rugged construction pairs well with the SCAR 17, which is also designed for durability in challenging environments. Its illuminated reticle is powered by fiber optics and tritium, so you never have to worry about running out of battery!
On the downside, the ACOG adds some weight and bulk to the SCAR 17, which might be a concern for those needing a lighter setup. The eye relief of the ACOG is also shorter than ideal, which could be a factor in rapid-fire or dynamic shooting situations.
Pros
Illuminated reticle
Battery-free illumination
Compact and lightweight
Costs less than all our other picks
Cons
Fixed magnification
Short eye relief
Score
Durability and Build Quality Score – 3/5
Compact but tough.
Magnification Range and Scope Type Score – 4.5/5
3.5x magnification offers a good balance between close-quarters and longer-range use.
Reticle Types and Illumination Score – 4.5/5
Battery-free illumination but short battery life.
Eye Relief and Field of View Score – 3/5
Wish the eye relief was a bit longer.
Overall Score – 3.75/5
What Customers Say
The field of view is very comfortable. The clarity of the Optics is absolutely incredible. The low light sensitivity is unbelievable. I could make out everything in the neighborhood with nothing but Starlight and distant Street lamps. The magnification level is just about perfect for everything I want to do which is under 200 yards.
The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 features a lightweight and streamlined design, so it is extremely easy to handle.
It comes with different reticle options (JM-1 BDC, VMR-2 MOA, VMR-2 MRAD), each designed for specific use cases.
The JM-1 BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is designed for rapid shooting at varying distances. It has a simple, clean design with a segmented circle and horizontal hash marks. It is ideal for quick target acquisition and estimating holdovers for bullet drop at different distances (like in 3-Gun competitions).
The VMR-2 reticle features a hash-marked ranging reticle with an illuminated center dot. It is designed for precise aiming, range estimation, windage corrections, and holdovers. This reticle design is suitable for both tactical applications and hunting, where precision and detailed hold points are needed.
Like every Vortex optic, the Razor HD GenII-E is precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum so it can withstand harsh conditions and rugged use.
However, similar to the ACOG, the Razor HD Gen II-E is a premium optic and comes with a high price tag. But unlike the ACOG, it relies on batteries for illumination.
Pros
Illuminated reticle
Compact and lightweight
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
Capped turrets
Generous eye relief
Fully multi-coated lenses
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
Pricey
Battery-dependent illumination
Score
Durability and Build Quality Score – 4.5/5
Tough construction backed by no-questions-asked warranty.
Magnification Range and Scope Type Score – 4/5
Fully multi-coated lenses and lightweight.
Reticle Types and Illumination Score – 4.5/5
Needs batteries for illumination.
Eye Relief and Field of View Score – 5/5
Ideal eye relief length.
Overall Score – 4.5/5
What Customers Say
The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E is a really good and forgiving optic for your rifle. Between the eye-searingly bright red dot, the wide FOV, crystal clear glass and overall design, you are getting a lot of good features for your money. This is an easy recommend but make sure you are getting the reticle type you want before pulling the trigger.
Our best MPVO pick is a combination of Leupold’s reputation for quality and features suited for a range of shooting scenarios.
The Mark 5HD 2-10×30 is relatively light and compact, minimizing the impact on the SCAR 17’s balance and handling. If you are familiar with Leupold’s high standards, you know that it is reliable in various conditions, including regular use. And since this is a First Focal Plane scope, the reticle size scales with the magnification, maintaining the accuracy of holdovers and range estimations at all magnifications. It’s available in both a standard TMR reticle and an illuminated version.
We also appreciate how the lever in this model is just the right length because it complements the smooth action on the magnification setting.
However, as with many high-end optics, the Leupold Mark 5HD series can be quite expensive. It will also add noticeable weight to your rifle.
Pros
Bombproof, waterproof, and fog proof
Available in illuminated reticle
Capped turrets
Premium glass
Rugged construction
Comes with sunshade
Long eye relief
Cons
Heavy
Pricey
Battery-dependent illumination
Score
Durability and Build Quality Score – 4/5
Lightweight but extremely durable.
Magnification Range and Scope Type Score – 4.5/5
You’ll get nothing but crisp and bright images.
Reticle Types and Illumination Score – 4.5/5
Not all reticle types have illumination.
Eye Relief and Field of View Score – 4.5/5
Ample eye relief.
Overall Score – 4.375/5
What Customers Say
It’s tracking very accurately, so thumbs up on the tracking and repeatability as well.
The Elcan SpecterDR is a great all-around optic for those who need a durable and versatile scope for different shooting environments. Whether you’ll be using your SCAR 17 for hunting, tactical use, or sport shooting, the SpecterDR will pass with flying colors.
It features an etched reticle that allows you to choose between a crosshair and a bright red dot. We also love the fact that the magnification throw levers are ambidextrous.
However, as much as we love the SpecterDR’s tough construction, this scope is also pretty heavy.
Pros
Night vision compatible
Ambidextrous magnification throw levers
Etched reticle
Illuminated reticle
Long battery life (1208 hrs on second highest RD setting)
Cons
Heavy
Very expensive
Short eye relief
Score
Durability and Build Quality Score – 4/5
Tough build and heavy.
Magnification Range and Scope Type Score – 4.5/5
Limited magnification range but still has various uses.
Reticle Types and Illumination Score – 4.5/5
Etched reticle for the win.
Eye Relief and Field of View Score – 3/5
Eye relief could be improved.
Overall Score – 4/5
What Customers Say
I am a combat vet and a prepper. With bomb proof design and construction and glass as clear as any available this is a world class optic.
Michael
Best Optic for SCAR 17: FAQs
What optics can survive the SCAR 17?
All the optics listed above are designed to handle the stress of heavy recoil and rough handling. So they’re all suitable for the SCAR 17.
How far can a SCAR 17 shoot?
The effective range of the SCAR 17, which is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, varies based on several factors like ammunition type, shooter skill, and environmental conditions. Generally, it is capable of effective engagement out to 600-800 meters. With a skilled shooter and optimal conditions, it can potentially reach out to 1,000 meters or more.
What makes the SCAR rifle so good?
The SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) series is highly regarded for several reasons:
Modularity and Versatility: Easily configurable for different missions and roles.
Reliability: Performs well in various environmental conditions.
Ergonomics: Adjustable to fit different users and shooting styles.
Recoil Management: Designed to handle recoil effectively, making it easier to shoot.
Accuracy: Known for its inherent accuracy, partly due to its free-floating barrel.
Is the SCAR 17 a battle rifle?
Yes, the SCAR 17 can be classified as a battle rifle. It is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, a full-power rifle cartridge, which is one of the defining characteristics of a battle rifle.
Battle rifles are designed to provide greater firepower at longer ranges compared to standard infantry rifles (like the M4 or SCAR 16), which are chambered in intermediate cartridges like 5.56x45mm NATO. The SCAR 17 is used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world and fits the role of a modern battle rifle.
Conclusion: Best Optic for the SCAR 17
When selecting an optic for your SCAR 17, balance the factors we listed above with your specific needs and preferences. It’s also wise to read reviews and test different scopes when possible to find the best match for your rifle and shooting style.
If you want something rugged and simple, go with the ACOG. If you like more flexibility with zoom, pick between the Vortex and Leupold. The Elcan’s also tough and versatile but a bit heavier. Your SCAR 17 will work great with any of these, it just depends on your style and what you’re shooting at.
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Last update on 2024-03-31 / Images from Amazon Product API
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