The Scar 17 is a unique rifle with many uses. Carbine length and about 8 lbs, the Scar 17 comes with an adjustable stock and iron sights. The standard ambidextrous controls combined with the right or left charging handle mount and compact features make this rifle is ideal for close encounter, clearing rooms, shooting behind barricades or around walls.
Accessory rails allow for attachment at 3, 6, 9, 12 o’clock positions. The Scar 17 rifle is an excellent choice and we have the best Scar 17 optics to choose from.
While the gun is compact and useful up close, the 7.62x51mm cartridge offers the ability for longer range shooting. Options and use are limitless.
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Scar 17 Optic Considerations
Whether you are setting up for long range 800 yards shots, heavy metal competition in 3 Gun or multigun events or some close quarter combat, you will need the best optic for the job. Because the .308 requires more considerations than the lighter .223 load, just slapping on an optic you had lying around will not always work. Recoil is much different and must be taken into consideration when purchasing an optic and hardware.
Do not forget the mounting considerations for a larger caliber as well. Rings, mounts and bases should be rated for the .308. Not all scopes are equal on all rifles, so we gathered information based on different dynamic uses of the Scar 17 and found the 10 best Scar 17 optics for any environment.
What Will be the Scar 17 Purpose?
When picking an optic for any gun, deciding the purpose of the rifle will allow you find the right optic for the job. The Scar 17 is a versatile rifle with uses in long range shooting, competition shooting or a tactical environment.
A few things to consider when setting the rifle up for use is distance you will be shooting, maneuverability, magnification, and weight. Clarity of scope and quality of reticle will be details to weed out once the purpose of the rifle is established.
Shooting Distance
If you plan on shooting over 600 yards with the Scar 17, a mid to long range scope is ideal. Usually a 3-9×30 is an average magnification for that distance. If you are setting up on a bench or prone with a bipod and not concerned with weight, that will open options too. Competition shooters tend to shoot close range like 10 yards for one target and longer ranges like 300 yards for the very next. A variable optic with a 1x will be useful in this situation.
Tactical Use and Close Quarter Combat
Tactical shooting tends to be shorter distances like room clearing with the possibility of shooting out to 100-200 yards. Here the physical size of the scope may be more of a consideration in choosing the best Scar 17 optic for you. Hitting the scope on barricades and walls trying to move through a house is not a tactically sound move. Equipment, especially the scope, can fit your purpose like a glove.
Details in the Reticle
The small details of the clarity of the glass and type of reticle will be a combination of user preference and use. For quick acquisitions during a match, a horseshoe or triangle might be best. For hunting, the traditional crosshairs will do. For long range precision shooting, having the details in wind and elevation in the reticle will be a huge factor in aiming and correcting on the spot for holdover or windage.
Personal Preference for the Scar 17 Optic
The magnification and reticle will be based on the user’s preference and quick acquisition of target at the required distance. Details in accessories like turret covers, throw lever, first or second focal plane will also be dependent on the shooter’s preference and application. There are many manufactures and models available. Pick your purpose, find the accessories you want and see which scope would be the best Scar 17 scope for you.
Our Recommendations for Scar 17 Optic
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm
Rugged and built to withstand the heavy recoil of a .308, the Fullfield E1 is a great affordable scope for the Scar 17. The 3-9x-40mm allows for adjustments in mid range shots. This multiuse scope comes with a Ballistic Plex E1 or illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings. The Ballistic Plex E1 has wind drift dots and trajectory compensation for ease of tracking deer in mountainous terrain or quickly making adjustments in wind.
The best bang for the buck with a lifetime warranty, the durability and multipurpose Burris Fullfield E1 is an excellent affordable option.
Nightforce BEAST
The B.E.A.S.T. (Best Example of Advanced Scope Technology) is rugged and tough, to fit the Scar 17 personality. At just over 15” it is compact enough to add other attachments to the gun. This allows for a weapon mounted light and accessories. The lightweight and sleek design allow for ease of movement without extra bulk. With a first focal plane to keep consistency, the 5-25x magnification lets the user to adjust from close encounters to distance shots quickly and efficiently.
The TreMor3 reticle Nightforce is using provides a great option for sudden mil adjustments at any distance. The i4F elevation control allows quick initial adjustments at .50 MOA/.2 Mil-Radian and a finer .25MOA/.1 Mil-Radian adjustment to account for wind and elevation. The Nightforce ZeroStop is excellent for a quick reset to keep your zero in any terrain or weather.
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm
It is a simple scope for simple use-getting hits on target. Rugged and tough, just like the Scar 17. The Strike Eagle is designed for close to mid range shooting. Light weight at 17.6oz and only 10”, the Vortex Strike Eagle is perfect for maneuvering around obstacles, barricades and vehicles. A quick throw lever allows shooter to go from a true 1x on the low end to an 8x magnification quickly.
For longer shots the AR_BCD3 reticle allows the shooter to get on target with appropriate range reference and holdover. There is a lot of information in a small space. The crosshairs focus the eye toward the target and the horseshoe aides in accuracy. For endurance competitions with close targets and long range steel, the Vortex Strike Eagle will perform every time. Vortex has an amazing warranty so there is no need to baby this scope. Use it and test its limits. You will not be disappointed.
ACOG 3.5x35mm
The best ACOG for the Scar 17 is the 3.5x35mm. With multiple options on the reticle, you can choose a standard dot, triangle, chevron or horseshoe in red, green, or amber. Rated for the .308, the reticle has the appropriate holdover for any distance. Moving from one target to the next is no problem with the AGOG. The 3.5×35 is used by military around the world and built for harsh environments.
No adjustments on the ACOG means no moving parts to break. The ACOG can withstand the harshest beating and still work. The clear glass allows for maximum light gathering and no distortion when on target. For tough, no nonsense, pick up and go, the ACOG is for you.
Leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40mm
For mid to long range, the VX Freedom will get the job done. A simple reticle with crosshairs and MIL or MOA holdover hash marks, you get a full field of vision with minimal interruption of target. Out of the box, ready to mount on your SCAR 17, this Leupold scope is versatile and will fit all your mid to long range needs. Typical 1/4 MOA adjustment per click of the turret allows for precise sighting in of the scope.
Every Leupold scope is tested for recoil 3 times harder than the .308. For durability and longevity, Leupold is a great choice in scopes.
Nightforce Benchrest 12-42x56mm
Nightforce has a reputation for quality optics. The benchrest series is no exception. For the Scar 17 to reach distances of over 800 yds, a second focal plane is a must. Capped turrets keep the knobs clean and set for the next shot. Each click of the turrets are 1/8 MOA and can be indexed to zero. With a 12-42x 56 magnification and a glass-etched illuminated reticle the Benchrest provides a crisp view of the target in any lighting condition.
To add extra-fine focus on an already clear glass, Nightforce has an adjustable objective to adjust parallax from 25 yards. Nightforce’s attention to detail is unparalleled and makes this a great choice for long distance shooting.
Leupold VS 6HD 1-6x24mm
The VX-6HD 1-6x24mm has a crystal clear 1x power for up close engagements. A removable throw lever lets you adjust quickly mid match for accurate 10 yard shots to accurate 600 yard shots. Versatile for multiple target ranges, this 1-6x scope is a must on any Scar 17.
The CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock elevation dials let you adjust for those long range shots and back to zero quickly. The clear crosshair and adjustable illuminated center dot help acquire targets fast and smooth in any weather condition. A great choice for 3 Gun competition with the Scar 17.
Zeiss Conquest V4 1-4x24mm
Designed with hunting in mind, this is another tough option for 3 Gun or a tactical environment. This water resistant scope keeps the target in focus in extreme conditions with the options of external elevation turrets for quick adjustments in the field or in a match. All external elevation turrets have Zeiss Ballistic stop for a quick zero return.
At 10.1” long and 16 oz. the Zeiss Conquest is perfect for maneuverability around any obstacle or just carrying in the field during a full day hunting.
The illuminated red dot allows for crisp acquisition of target, ideally for close to mid-range use. If you choose the ZQAR reticle, it is designed with the .308 cartridge in mind. Add an optional throw lever to quickly adjust the magnification and the Scar 17 becomes a tack driver for the hunter or competitor.
Nikon P Tactical .308 4-12x40mm
Just like the ACOG is built with caliber in mind, the P-Tactical reticle is made specifically for the platform you have. The holdover lines allow the shooter to estimate range and target size at unknown distances. The clear glass and large eye relief allow shooters to see their target clearly at any magnification. Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof keep the Nikon P-Tactical running in any condition.
Offered in MOA or MRAD, you have options for your long distance needs.
Steiner M5Xi 5-25x56mm
Best sniper scope for the Scar 17 is the Steiner M5Xi. Built to military specifications, the M5Xi is durable and lightweight for quick set up and take down. The MSR Reticle allows for windage and elevation adjustments on the spot without taking your eyes off the target. If a more precise adjustment is needed, the tactile click on windage and elevation knobs allows the shooter to adjust by touch.
The illuminated reticle and 94% transmission of light allows the shooter to see in low light conditions. Wide views allow the shooter to see more of the target area than other scopes. For the sniper, target acquisition is essential and accomplished with clear field of view at all distances.
Wrap Up
As you can see, the Scar 17 is a versatile rifle with capabilities in any environment. The best Scar 17 scope will depend on your use and purpose. Grab the right scope for your job, mount with the right gear and you will be ready to hit your target at any range in competition, hunting or just ringing steel with friends.
L.P. Brezny is a highly respected and experienced shotgun expert and author with over 50 years in the industry and testing lab. He has contributed to numerous firearms publications, including Wildfowl, Shotgun Sports, and Varmint Hunters, and is a regular columnist for Gun Digest and AmmoLand News.