There are literally hundreds of rifle scope models available today, but which ones have what it takes to be mounted onto an FN SCAR 17?
This is the question, I will be looking to answer in this article.
Being a heavy-hitting yet precise and versatile rifle, the SCAR 17 requires a special kind of scope. One that is recoil resistant and can be used for long-range shooting and in close quarters.
In essence, the best scope for scar 17 is one that can take advantage of the SCAR 17’s unique attributes. So let’s find out which scopes are suited for the SCAR 17. I will be reviewing 6 scopes as well as discussing how to choose a scope for your scar 17 and 17s.
Quick Comparison Of Best Optic For Scar 17s
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Please note that Prices and Availability Are Subject To Change /Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Find The Best Scar 17 Scope
Not every scope out there will be ideal for your scar 17. To ensure you have bought the right scope always consider the things I have outlined below
Recoil resistant
To say that the scar 17 has a heavy recoil is understating it. Thanks to its .308 chambering this battle rifle needs a strong pair of arms. In addition, you will need a scope that can withstand its heavy recoil. Aluminum is the material best suited to making scar 17 rifle scopes. Therefore, the best optic for scar 17 and 17s will be made of an aluminum alloy.
Variable magnification
Unlike a traditional assault rifle, the scar 17 can switch from a marksman rifle to a close quarter combat rifle. This means that you will need a scope with an adjustable magnification like the best ak 47 scope. The magnification of most scar scopes ranges between 1x and 8x. This is an ideal magnification range for both short, and long-range shooting.
Objective lens
The objective lens has a big influence on how bright a scope is. For scar 17, scope of 30 mm or 40 mm is ideal. 40 mm is big enough to suck in light to help you see even in low lighting. Thus, if you hunt at dusk or dawn a big enough objective lens will be ideal. However, the objective lens should not be too big as to make the scope overly bulky.
Illumination
When hunting in the mornings or late in the evening visibility will be very low. This is especially if you hunt in heavily forested areas. In such scenarios, illumination will come in handy. Most best scar 17 scope comes with illumination. The addition of illumination is to help you see your target even in low lighting.
6 Best Scope For Scar 17 & 17s
Best Optic For Scar 17s and 17: ACOG Trijicon 3.5×35 Riflescopes
- Magnification: 3.5x
- Objective lens: 35mm
- Weight: 14ounces
If there ever was a scope designed specifically for the SCAR 17 then it would be the ACOG Trijicon 3.5×35 riflescope. It is by far the best scope for scar 17. Thus, while it does not come as likek cheap budget friendly scope, if you have the money it is well worth it. So, what exactly does it offer?
Durable construction
The Trijicon 3.5×35 scope was built for tough conditions. It features a housing made from tough military-grade aluminum alloy. On top of that, it comes with an anodized weather-resistant finish. This is one of the reasons why it is loved by the military.
Dual illumination
You would expect such a scope to have a battery powered illumination. But no, it has something even better. A tritium phosphor lamp is built into it and lights up when there is no ambient light. This unique illumination does not require a battery.
BDC reticle
The illuminated reticle on this scope is designed for the .308 cartridge. Towards this end, you get a bullet drop compensator (BDC) that shows holdovers of different ranges. The reticle comes in either red or green illumination.
An adaptive light gathering system
Not many scopes are able to adapt to different light conditions. And this is where the Trijicon excels. It boasts a fluorescent fiber light gathering system. This system causes the reticle to glow depending on how bright it is. In low light, it produces a faded glow which is visible.
Things We Liked The Most
- It has been proven in combat
- Features a battery-free illumination
- Weighing 14 ounces it is lightweight
- Has tough and weather-resistant outer housing
- Has a bullet drop compensator built for the .308 cartridge
Some Cons
- It is quite expensive but its worth every penny
If all you want is the best scope for fn scar 17 and money is not a problem then I highly recommend buying the Trijicon 3.5x35mm scope. It is a scope that has been used extensively in combat meaning its durability is tested and proven. Additionally, it comes with features that a scar 17 owner will find useful.
Vortex Optics Viper PST 1-4×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Objective lens: 24mm
- Weight: 1.01 pounds
I have always been a big admirer of vortex optical products. The Vortex Optics Viper PST1 being one of the company’s best seller is one of my favorite scopes. Granted it is not as flashy or expensive as the Trijicon but it is still a work of art.
Construction
The first time I help the PST 1 in my hands it felt meaty and very well built. Vortex uses aircraft grade aluminum in the construction of the scope. But that is not all, it has a special scratch-resistant coating called AmorTek. In the one year that I have been using it, I have not seen even a single scratch on it.
Close quarters reticle
A unique reticle that allows for easy transition from long range to close quarter shooting makes this the perfect budget scar 17 scopes. A dot circled by an illuminated circle allows this scope to function like a red dot sight. When set to 1x magnification it functions like a red dot sight for quick target acquisition.
Variable magnification
Unlike most rifle scopes the 1x magnification setting on the Viper PST 1 is truly unmagnified. This is helpful when trying to acquire targets quick and for close quarter shooting. On the other hand, you can zoom from 2x to 4x for medium to long range shooting.
Illuminated reticle
An illuminated crosshair reticle serves as a light source in low light. It is powered by a single CR2032 battery and comes with ten brightness levels. With this ten brightness levels, you can shoot at different light conditions
Things We Liked The Most
- It is relatively cheaper than other similar riflescopes
- It is very well made and has a tough and scratch resistant outer housing
- Can be used as both a red dot and for long range shooting
- Featured extra-low dispersion glass for optimal brightness and visibility
- It is capable of holding zero even after multiple shots fired
Some Cons
- The turrets are a bit too tall for a 1-4x scope
When you think about the price tag of the Trijicon and other similar scopes, the value of the Viper PST 1 become evident. Costing almost half the price of the Trijicon, it offers all the features you would expect from a high-end scope. As such, it is the perfect scope for anyone looking for a budget scope without compromising on quality.
Nikon M-308 4-16X42 Riflescope BDC 800 Reticle
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens: 42mm
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
As its name suggests the Nikon M-308 riflescope is built for the .308 or 7.62 NATO round. This means that it is a scope suitable for the heavy duty SCAR 17 rifle. And just like the Viper PST 1, it is offered at a relatively affordable price tag.
Fully multi-coated optics
As is with all other optical products from Nikon, the optics on the Nikon M-308 are of superior quality. The optics are fully multicoated for amazing light transmission that helps you spot targets even in low light. Additionally, the optics feature the patented ultra-clear coating, which is designed to protect the optics.
Variable magnification
A variable magnification of between 1-16x provides you with the ability to aim at targets from varying distances. The 16x might be more than you need, which is why many stick to 4x-8x magnification range. This is especially if you want a healthy exit pupil diameter.
BDC reticle
One of the must-have features for any .308 rifle scope is a Bullet drop compensator. The BDC reticle on this scope works fantastically up to a range of 800 yards. It incorporates dots, hash marks, and circles to indicate holdovers in different ranges.
Spot on Ballistics match technology
This scope is compatible with Nikon’s spot on Ballistics match technology, which is accessible from a smartphone. This technology allows you to optimum configuration setting for your rifle.
Things We Liked The Most
- The turrets are calibrated to fit the .308 caliber
- It is well built with a sturdy one-inch tube
- It is fog, water and shockproof
- You get support with the Nikon spot on ballistics match technology
- Offers excellent light transmission in different light conditions
- Offers ample eye relief
Some Cons
- The field of view is a bit low compared to other similar scopes
- Does not have a 1x magnification
There are no scopes without faults and the Nikon M-308 is no exception. Nonetheless, when you get past some of the minor faults of this scope you can appreciate its strengths. For starters, it comes with the bullet drop compensator feature which is essential for the .308 caliber. Also, the scope is designed to work with the .308 caliber. The only thing you have to note is that it is built more for long range hunting. Its minimum 4x magnification level might not do well in close range shooting. However, for its price point, it is a pretty decent scope worth purchasing.
Trijicon RS27-C-1900026 AccuPower Riflescope
- Magnification: 1-8X
- Objective lens 28mm
- Weight: 3 pounds
Another Trijicon scope that is ideal for your scar 17 is the RS27-C-1900026 AccuPower. The latter is not the smallest out there but it does have some pretty impressive features. And given that it is a Trijicon scope you can bet that it is built to perfection
True 1x magnification
Fast target acquisition for the close quarter shooting is essential in any scar 17 scopes. With its 1x minimum magnification range, this is what the RS27 offers. The 1x magnification level combined with a good exit pupil makes for a great close quarter scope.
Crosshair reticle
The reticle on this scope has crosshairs and illuminated segmented circle. This reticle improves the fast target acquisition and close quarter shooting capabilities of the scope. Also, it functions impressively well for long-range shots.
First focal plane
It is a first focal plane scope meaning that the reticle tends to enlarge as the magnification increases and decrease the magnification decreases. This helps keep the bullet drop compensation consistent across all magnification levels.
Illumination
There are 11 brightness levels to fit different light conditions. The illumination is powered by a single CR2032 lithium battery. There is also an off feature between each brightness setting
Things We Liked The Most
- Comes with fully multi-coated optics for image brightness and clarity
- It is a versatile scope that can be used on a wide array of rifles including on AR-15s
- Comes fitted with a set of lens caps
- Has a wide array of applications from hunting to target practice
Some Cons
- It is relatively pricier than most other scopes
- It’s a bit longer than most scopes
The hefty price tag attached to this scope is because of the fact that it is expensive to manufacture. In this regard, this Trijicon scope is very well built and is built from high-quality materials. Also, the technologies used in this scope are of superior quality. In a nutshell, this is a true high-end scope with the features to match.
Elcan SpecterDR Optical Sight DFOV156-T2 1.5-6x 7.62×51 FDE
- Magnification: 1.5 – 6x
- Weight: 25 Oz or 1.56 lbs
We all know The mighty $3000 +/- Fn Scar 17 and 17s is a beast and it breaks our wallet with leaving some of the best Shooting experience. Professional target shooter and or hunter like this rifle the most and they recommend it for the serious hunters and or shooters. For that good reason, it is obvious to treat this beast with a great scope which can complement its barrel length, short-stroke gas piston operation, weight and so on.
The Elcan SpecterDR Optical Sight DFOV156-T2 1.5-6x 7.62×51 FDE is the one we can suggest you if you are worried about which scope you have to mount on your Scar 17. Yeah It’s pricy but it payback by its awesome crystal clear imaging, awesome technology and so on.
This awesome scope consists of all the advanced features that a professional must need while shooting in the field.
This scope Finished in FDE (Flat Dark Earth). Weighing 25.oz is good to go for the Scar 17. length of this scope is 7.2″ and it can easily be fitted with the gun. It has 0.5 MOA turret adjustment features. This scope allows for parallax adjustment from 20m to infinity. It has a long eye relief of 70mm and 7mm exit pupil.
Conclusion
The FN SCAR 17 is not the most readily available rifle out there due to its unique set of attributes. Therefore, not just any scope will function with this rifle. To get the best out of your scar 17 it is important that you go only for the best scope for scar 17. In addition, the scope has to be matched by the best scope mount for scar 17 that can withstand the rifle’s recoil. In conclusion, finding the right scope for a scar 17 is easier said than done. However, this article is a good place to start your search.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Tarheel3Gun.