Our Top Picks
Best Overall
NightForce ATACR 1-8×24
- Build quality: 4.5/5
- Optics: 4.4/5
- Battery: 3.4/5
A solid pick for tactical use and hunting.
Check Price on AmazonBest Fixed Magnification
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35
- Build quality: 4.6/5
- Optics: 4.6/5
- Battery: 3/5
Designed for durability in challenging environments.
Check Price on AmazonBest LPVO
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24
- Build quality: 4/5
- Optics: 4.4/5
- Battery: 3/5
It can withstand harsh conditions and rugged use.
Check Price on AmazonBest MPVO
Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30
- Build quality: 4.5/5
- Optics: 4.5/5
- Battery: 5/5
Suited for a range of shooting scenarios.
Check Price on AmazonIf you own an FN SCAR 17, you already know you’ve got a powerhouse in your hands. The SCAR 17 delivers unmatched versatility, power, and precision. But here’s the thing: even the best rifle is only as good as the scope you mount on it. The best scope for SCAR 17 can turn your rifle into a precision instrument of perfection, while the wrong one could leave you frustrated and missing your mark. So, what’s the secret to unlocking the full potential of your SCAR 17? The answer lies in the scope. With so many choices, how do you know which will truly elevate your shooting experience? Stick around, and I’ll walk you through the top contenders that could be game-changers for your setup.
How to Choose the Best Scopes for SCAR 17
When it comes to choosing the right scope for your SCAR 17, there are several factors to consider. Let’s break down the essentials:
| Category | NightForce ATACR F1 | Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 | Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 | Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 | Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6×42 | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 3.2 | 3.02 | 2.84 | 3.28 | 3.32 | 3.13 |
| Ergonomics | 2.7 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.88 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Optics | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 3.4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3.88 |
| Value | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Ergonomics
The SCAR 17 is known for its unique recoil and overall feel, so you want a scope that complements its ergonomics. Look for a scope that’s easy to adjust on the fly, with controls that are accessible and intuitive. After all, the last thing you need is to fumble around with your scope while trying to make a quick shot.
How do we rate it?
Is the scope’s weight balanced, or does it make your rifle feel like you’re lugging around a medieval weapon? A top-rated scope in ergonomics should feel intuitive like it’s an extension of yourself rather than an awkward appendage with excess weight.
Build Quality
Durability is non-negotiable. The SCAR 17 is a rugged, hard-hitting rifle, so your optic needs to be equally tough. Go for scopes made from high-quality materials that can withstand not just the recoil but also the elements. Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof features are a must.
How do we rate it?
Is it waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof? A high rating in this category means your scope is the tank of the optics world—reliable, tough, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Optics
Clear, crisp optics are essential, especially when you’re dealing with the SCAR 17’s range capabilities. Whether you’re engaging targets up close or at a distance, you need a scope that delivers sharp, bright images. Multicoated lenses and high-quality glass will make a world of difference.
How do we rate it?
High marks go to scopes that offer excellent low-light performance and the ability to maintain a sharp, bright image under various conditions.
Value
Sure, we all want the best, but the best often comes with a hefty price tag. The key is to find a scope that offers great bang for your buck. You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get a high-performing optic that will last.
How do we rate it?
A high rating in value means the scope offers the best blend of quality and features for its price point, striking that sweet balance between cost and functionality. Think of it as the difference between a deal and a steal.
Battery and Illumination
If you’re opting for a scope with illuminated reticles, battery life is something you can’t overlook. Consider scopes with long battery life and easily replaceable batteries, so you’re not left in the dark—literally.
How do we rate it?
We give lower scores to scopes that require battery changes more often than you change your socks. High ratings go to models with efficient power usage and long-lasting battery life, ensuring you’re always ready for the shot, day or night.
When it comes to illumination, we give higher scores to scopes that offer a range of brightness settings that accommodate various lighting conditions without overwhelming your night vision.
5 Best Scopes for the SCAR 17
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s jump into the top five scopes that will bring out the best in your SCAR 17.
Best Overall: NightForce ATACR F1
| Category | NightForce ATACR F1 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 2.7 | 1.88 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Optics | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 3.4 | 3.88 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 3.2/5
Quick Specs
- Weight: 21 oz
- Reticle: F1
- Length: 10.1 in
- Eye relief: 3.7 in
The NightForce ATACR 1-8×24 is a versatile scope with a 1-8x magnification range, perfect for both close and long-range shooting. Its first focal plane (FFP) reticle adjusts with magnification, making sure your holdovers are spot-on at any zoom level. The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass gives you crystal-clear images, and the FC-DMx reticle is great for quick target acquisition. Built tough from aircraft-grade aluminum, this scope can handle rough conditions, yet it’s still pretty lightweight at 21 ounces. The power throw lever lets you switch magnification fast. While it’s on the pricier side and might take some getting used to, especially for beginners, its top-notch quality and features make it a solid pick for tactical use and hunting.
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Night vision-compatible
- Clean reticle design
- Rugged construction
- Second lightest pick
Cons
- Pricey
- Short battery life (29 hours brightest setting)
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.
Hunter
Best Fixed Magnification: Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35
| Category | Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.9 | 1.88 |
| Build Quality | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| Optics | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.88 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 3.02/5
Quick Specs
- Weight: 17.6 oz
- Reticle: Chevron
- Length: 8 in
- Eye relief: 2.39 in
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
- Lightest pick
- Simple design, ultimate in reliability
- Battery-free illumination
- Compact and lightweight
- Costs less than all our other picks
Cons
- Fixed magnification
- Short eye relief
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.
Montanamoondog
Best LPVO: Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24
| Category | Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.8 | 1.88 |
| Build Quality | 4 | 4.4 |
| Optics | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 3 | 3.88 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 2.84/5
Quick Specs
- Weight: 21.5 oz
- Reticles: JM-1 BDC, VMR-2 MOA, VMR-2 MRAD
- Length: 10.1 in
- Eye relief: 4 in
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
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.
Tipsy McStagger
Best MPVO: Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30
| Category | Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.4 | 1.88 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Optics | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.88 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 3.28/5
Quick Specs
- Weight: 24 oz
- Reticles: TMR, Illuminated TMR
- Length: 11.2 in
- Eye relief: 3.7 in
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 is pretty 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
- Second heaviest pick
- Pricey
- Battery-dependent illumination
What Customers Say
It’s tracking very accurately, so thumbs up on the tracking and repeatability as well.
Ultimate Reloader
Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6×42
| Category | Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6×42 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 1.6 | 1.88 |
| Build Quality | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Optics | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.88 |
| Value | 1 | 1 |
Score: 3.32/5
Quick Specs
- Weight: 24.8 oz
- Reticles: 5.56 BDC, 7.62 BDC
- Length: 7.2 in
- Eye relief: 2.7 in
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
- Heaviest pick
- Very expensive
- Short eye relief
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
FAQs
What is the effective range of a SCAR 17?
The SCAR 17’s effective range depends on the barrel length. With the standard 16-inch barrel, you can usually hit targets out to 800 yards, and some folks have even nailed shots past 900 yards with the right optics and ammo. If you’re using the shorter 13-inch barrel, or the CQC model, expect it to be solid up to around 650 yards.
Which scope is best for SCAR?
Picking the right scope for your SCAR 17 is key since its recoil can be tough on optics. Some solid options are the NightForce ATACR 1-8×24 and Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 for variable magnification scopes and the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 if you want fixed magnification.
Conclusion: The Best Scope for SCAR 17
When it comes to getting the most out of your SCAR 17, the right scope makes all the difference. Whether you’re aiming for close-range precision or need something versatile for a variety of shooting scenarios, there’s a scope on this list that’s got you covered. The NightForce ATACR 1-8×24 stands out for its all-around performance, while the Trijicon ACOG offers rock-solid reliability with fixed magnification. If you prefer a low-power variable optic, the Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E is a fantastic choice. For those who want a bit more range, the Leupold Mark 5HD is a winner, and the Elcan SpecterDR provides unique versatility. No matter which you choose, you’re equipping your SCAR 17 with a scope that’s built to perform. So, mount up, dial in, and enjoy hitting those targets with pinpoint accuracy!
Last update on 2024-08-31 / Images from Amazon Product API