The AR-10 is one of the most powerful and versatile long range rifles around. The military has been deploying it with snipers for a long time. Civilian hunters favor its superb reliability and relatively light recoil to take down big game at long range. The AR-10 is a truly versatile platform capable of housing a variety of cartridges.
Without a scope, you can easily hit targets at 200 yards. But you need a scope to really maximize the potential of this firearm, and with a best scope for AR-10, you can expect to hit targets up to 1000 yards or more.
You want a scope that will optimize the AR-10’s precision shooting capabilities and allow you to utilize its versatile functionality. That’s why the best AR-10 scopes are some of the most technologically advanced and superior quality optics on the market.
Most of the scopes will feature magnification levels that are ideal for medium to long range shooting (5x and up) because that’s where the AR-10 delivers amazing results. You want an extremely durable scope that will withstand the heavy use that you’re AR-10 will likely be put through. And all of these scopes have quick and accurate reticles that include features like point-of-impact referencing, unparalleled illumination, and greater situational awareness than many other scopes.
The Best Scopes for your AR10 Reviewed
The AR-10 is one of the most powerful and versatile long range rifles around. The military has been deploying it with snipers for a long time. Civilian hunters favor its superb reliability and relatively light recoil to take down big game at long range. The AR-10 is a truly versatile platform capable of housing a variety of cartridges.
Without a scope, you can easily hit targets at 200 yards. But you need a scope to really maximize the potential of this firearm, and with a best scope for AR-10, you can expect to hit targets up to 1000 yards or more.
You want a scope that will optimize the AR-10’s precision shooting capabilities and allow you to utilize its versatile functionality. That’s why the best AR-10 scopes are some of the most technologically advanced and superior quality optics on the market.
Most of the scopes will feature magnification levels that are ideal for medium to long range shooting (5x and up) because that’s where the AR-10 delivers amazing results. You want an extremely durable scope that will withstand the heavy use that you’re AR-10 will likely be put through. And all of these scopes have quick and accurate reticles that include features like point-of-impact referencing, unparalleled illumination, and greater situational awareness than many other scopes.
Leapers UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope
The Leapers UTG line aims to provide innovative, solution-oriented scopes that are meticulously assembled and rigorously tested for hunting and shooting sports.
Innovation, quality, value, and service describe the UTG brand. Easy to adjust and reliably holds zero, the Leapers UTG is a 30-millimeter SWAT 3-12X44 IE tactical range estimating scope with mil-dot and is ideal for mounting on versatile rifles such as the AR-10. Built on the True Strength platform, the UTG 3-12x44mm has a strong tube design and exhibits uninterrupted illumination when firing due to its impressive recoil resistance.
It also features best-in-class multi emerald coated lenses and an integrated, angled front sunshade with flip-open lens caps. The Leapers UTG is a very tough scope so you can mount it on your precision AR-10 and expect it to maintain zero with very little issues.
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33
The VX-Freedom riflescope line by Leupold represents legendary performance and reliability that shooters and hunters have been counting on for decades.
Leupold scopes are designed for serious shooters with serious guns in mind. Guaranteed to deliver the job every time, the Leupold VX-Freedom features several new and improved features that make it one of the best scope for AR-10.
It has a 3:1 zoom ratio for any shooting situation, a patented Twilight Light Management System for optimal lowlight clarity (adding up to 20 extra minutes of shooting light), scratch-resistant lenses, a lightweight compact design in a 1 inch main tube, quick-grip power selector, multiple reticle and magnification options, and is available in AR, Rimfire, and Muzzleloader models.Similar to some Bushnell options as well.
It is 100% weatherproofed, impact tested on 3x the recoil of .308, and its precision ¼ MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation provide absolute repeatability. The centerfire model comes with a parallax set at 100 yards and 33mm objective lens for excellent light gathering capability.
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is a high quality budget riflescope with great overall quality that is clean, clear, and sleek.
Trijicon 1-6x24mm VCOG
The Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) is a nearly indestructible variable magnification riflescope designed for close quarter engagement or long-range precision shooting, making it one of the best scope for AR-10 on the market.
The VCOG has exceptional target acquisition capabilities, featuring a focal plane reticle that allows the shooter to rapidly acquire and hold target throughout the magnification range. High-quality multi-coated lenses provide superior light-gathering capabilities and incredible clarity with zero distortion. The Trijicon VCOG riflescope is brilliantly illuminated by a single AA battery with up to six brightness settings and is truly a great combat scope that is ideal for shooters with poor eyesight.
It features quick, accurate ranging reticles, such as a red horseshoe dot or crosshair. The horseshoe dot has various measurements that support point-of-impact referencing, especially for long distances. Moreover, the VCOG riflescope is rugged and versatile making it a great option for battle rifles like the AR-10 or SCAR-17 (an integrated mounting adapter provides ringless mounting to any rail system).
It can be deployed in fast and precise close quarter situations while easily adjusting to long-range shooting with quick magnification adjustments. You can expect this best scope for AR-10 to look crystal clear and hold constant zero no matter what you do to it.
EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Riflescope
The EOTech Vudu 1-6x Riflescope is a sleek and compact optic, packed with advanced features, and designed for serious hunters and 3-gun shooters. Moreover, the Vudu 1-6x is particularly well-suited for the AR platform and is one of the best scopes for AR-10 you will find.
It features a Speed Ring reticle for super fast target acquisition at low power and superb resolution/accuracy at high power. The reticle also increases in size with magnification. The XC High Density Glass provides impressive light transmission and clarity, especially at longer ranges.
The EOTech Vudu 1-6x is a great scope for AR-10 users who demand durability and accuracy over short and medium-range applications.
Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 BAC Riflescope – .308 / 7.62 BDC Red Horseshoe Reticle
The legendary Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 riflescope was adopted by the U.S. Navy SEALs for testing and operations in 1991. The German GSG9 SWAT selected the model for their rifles in 1995.
Since then, this combat proven scope has been faithfully adopted by competitive shooters, law enforcement, and civilians alike. The Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is currently the official medium-range engagement optic of the U.S. Special Forces and Marine Corps. A red-dot optic could also be a good solution.
This rifles cope was holistically designed to increase hit potential in all lighting conditions — made possible by a brilliant reticle pattern, compact design, and extreme durability. The ACOG 3.5×35 is perfect for AR-style rifles and is definitely one of the best scopes for AR-10 you will find (the U.S. Marines mount it on their M16 service rifle).
This model features superb aiming solutions such as a Red Horseshoe BAC Reticle calibrated for .308 cal (for flattop rifles out to 1200 meters), dual illumination (brilliant clarity at night), and a rugged fixed-power housing design (shock and weather resistant).
BAC stands for “Bindon Aiming Concept” and allows for improved situational awareness by providing the user with a “both eyes open” experience when shooting. You can expect this scope to provide unparalleled illumination and clarity under all conditions as Trijicon has been an industry leader in developing superior any-light aiming systems for decades.
The Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 BAC Riflescope is truly an amazing optic and one of the best scopes for AR-10 on the market.
The Top Selling AR-10 Scopes on Amazon
- INCREDIBLE VALUE: Introducing the TANGO-MSR line of riflescopes by Sig Sauer. Featuring three new low power variable optics loaded with standard features and offered at an incredible value.
- AMAZING FEATURES: These new models include illuminated reticles, factory installed flip-back lens covers, removable thread-in magnification throw levers and the impressive ALPHA-MSR cantilever mount.
- ACCLAIMED LINEAGE: The TANGO-MSR follows the TANGO6T 1-6x24mm riflescope’s acclaimed lineage. Crafted by the hands of the experts, with the most sought out advanced technology and advancements.
- TOP QUALITY: The TANGO6T has been the winner of three consecutive US military contracts: the Squad Designated Marksman Riflescope (SDMR), the Squad Variable Powered Scope (S-VPS) and the Direct View Optic (DVO) programs.
- COMMENTS: Review by Jacob on 19 Feb 2022review stating Sig Sauer Optics are becoming my favoriteThis is my first LPVO scope, I put this on my Aero and I couldn’t believe how accurate and clear this scope was for the price. Best optic I’ve ever invested in. I mounted it forward far enough to use the 1x magnification like a red dot.(For targets at 50 yards). At 6x magnification, the reticle is very clear, clean, and easy to use at targets at 200 yards. - Jacob
- Ultra HD Sensor-Ultra HD 4K Sensor with our Obsidian 4 Dual Core Processor brings you cutting edge technology with higher resolution,faster optics,millions of vivid colors
- Ballistic CalculatorHunt responsibly by making sure your shot hits the target Each and Every time. Range,Wind,MultipleWeapon Profiles,Angle to target,Temperature,Humidity,Plus more.Helps you determine exact ballistics for expert longrange shots
- Dual Stream Video Recording You asked and we listened X-Sight 4K Buck Hunter not only Streams Video to your mobile device HD resolution and can simultaneously Record to SD card inside
- Ultra Low Power ProfileNo more worries about your batteries dying in field.At 18+ hours of Continuous operation XSight 4K Buck Hunterwill last as long as you do
- RAV(Recoil Activated Video)Recoil Activated Video (RAV)takes care of all your worries.Just relax and focus on your game and let Obsidian Core do heavy lifting.This scope will automatically start to record a video before and after you take shot
- SUPERIOR QUALITY LENSES: Multi-coated lenses provide superior clarity and light gathering capabilities with zero distortion
- BATTERY-FREE ILLUMINATION: Fiber optic technology automatically adjusts the brightness level and contrast of the reticle aiming point to available light conditions and a tritium phosphor lamp illuminates the reticle in low to no light
- AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM HOUSING: All-weather rugged construction protects against the toughest elements
- SECOND FOCAL PLANE RETICLE: Reticle size remains constant as magnification increases which provides a more exact aiming point at higher magnifications
- ZERO FORWARD EMISSION: The illuminated reticle doesn’t project any illumination from the objective lens
- The updated Strike Eagle 1-6x24 is defined by speed and versatility. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting shooters rapidly engage targets from point-blank to extended ranges.
- The magnification ring has been updated and now includes a thread-in throw lever, and the magnification indicators can now be seen without coming off the scope.
- The new illuminated BDC3 reticle focuses the shooter's eye to the target faster and holdovers allow for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance.
- The fast focus dial on the eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide increased light transmission for greater clarity and low-light performance.
- Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed the for water and fogproof performance. The one piece, aircraft grade aluminum, 30mm tube is shockproof shrugging off recoil and other impacts.
- The 4-12x44 Crossfire II Riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving Eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus Eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
- Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
- A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and Nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and Fog proof performance.
- High performance tactical rifle scope with 6-24x magnification for mid to long distance shooting out to 1000+ yards
- Functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle, with easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification, for faster range estimation and holdover correction
- Equipped with an adjustable objective lens - or AO - that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
- Inline dial controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities, for better reticle visibility in low light environments
- Package also includes set of high profile picatinny scope rings, a detachable honeycomb filter sunshade, a set of spring loaded flip-up lens covers, and one CR2032 3V battery
- Affordable price for a quality thermal scope is possible. We are breaking the price barrier and making your dreams come tru
- Advanced heat detection sensors allow you to see in total darkness, through dense fog, smoke and heavy vegetation
- Enjoy traditional design: 30mm tube scope made of hardened aluminum alloy, recoil resistant to higher caliber weapons
- Maximum performance with minimum power consumption (internal Li-Ion battery life 10+ hours). Operating Temperature - 20°F to +120°F / -28°C to 48°C
- Lighter than an average scope, so it will make you feel more agile and your rifle balanced. Small things that make a big difference when you're out on an all nighter in the woods
Some Final Thoughts
Clarity, brightness, versatility, a lightweight and compact design — these are scope features that will enhance your experience in the field and maximize your rifle’s potential.
The AR-10 is very versatile and powerful, so keep in mind the type of environment you’ll be shooting in the most and choose the scope that will perform optimally in that condition. These best AR-10 scopes will let you deploy your firearm in fast and precise situations while also allowing for quick adjustments into long ranges.
Combine one of these scopes with your AR-10 and you’ll be virtually unstoppable.
Since the corona virus outbreak, I’ve been spending a lot more time outdoors (and I love it!!). I had the Horseshow Reticle by Trijicon just sitting in my garage (got it last year as a gift) and I haven’t had one chance to sit down and play around with it. Luckily now, I don’t have to commute to work so it’s saved me quite a lot of time (I was driving for about 3 hours and 15 min every day total). So I got this out and outfitted my SIG 716 DMR with it.
It had been a while since I did long distance shooting, but man, this was so great using the Trijicon. It is built tough, and the optics are insane! I could see my target very clearly from the long distance. It was pretty easy for me to make windage and elevation adjustments. Some of the scopes I’ve used in the past are just so confusing. I can’t wait to play around with this bad boy at night!
My friend ended up getting a real cheap scope this year, and I told him not to cheap out, because he’ll end up not using it. Sure enough, he got the bottom of the bottom, and now it’s sitting, unusused. I understand people can be on the fence about buying a decent reticle, especially when it comes to long range, but as far as trying to decide whether you should get the Trijicon, I say, do it!! Some people might say it’s too expensive, but in reality, do you really want to risk having an unreliable scope? What’s the point of getting one if it isn’t going to be great?
I hadn’t seen much about Leapers, but those lenses sure do sound sweet !!
I almost got the EOTech Vudu 1-6x scope last year, but I held off on buying it. Good to see it’s in your list.
I had a Weaver scope in 2007, that thing was junk and never stayed lined up on the target. Looking to purchase something a higher in quality.