5 Best Scopes for AR-10 in 2020 [Hand-Tested]

In this guide I’m going to show you the 5 best scopes for AR-10. 

In fact:

These are the same scopes that many optic experts and competitive shooters use. 

The best part? 

I’ve sorted the scopes by use. So whether you’re on a budget or need a solid hunting scope, you’ll find it here.

Let’s get started. 

Why should you trust me? 

I’ve fired thousands of rounds in my lifetime, through hundreds of scopes, at soft and hard targets. 

I’ve tried all the scope brands: Leupold, NightForce, Trijicon, Vortex, Burris, Schmidt & Bender, Redfield, Zeiss, Bushnell, BSA — you name it.

As a result, I know exactly what makes a good scope.

In fact:

My work has been featured on large publications like…

• SOFREP
• Daily Caller
• The National Interest
• American Shooting Journal

…and so much more.

The best part?

Each of the scopes I recommend down below were bought from my own personal money. No reviewer scopes or outside contributions were accepted for this review.

In doing so, I believe it allows me to write the most honest guide possible. That way, I can focus on what truly matters: testing the scope rather than appeasing scope manufacturers. 

This gives me the freedom to say whatever I like about a scope:

The good, the bad, and the ugly without fear. This helps my readers make a better, more well-informed decision. And it helps me find the best AR-10 scope for my rifle.

I hope it does the same for you. Let’s begin.

Read Before You Buy 

I don’t want you to waste your money.

Most sites will recommend expensive AR10 scopes you won’t ever fully use. 

To help you save money (and headaches), here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best AR 10 scope.

How To Choose An AR-10 Scope

Let me put it straight:

The AR-10 is one of the best long-range rifles on the market. It’s better than the AR-15 in precision and power. It’s so powerful that even the military uses a modified version of it for American snipers. 

It easily hits 200 yards without a sight. And with the best scope for AR-10, it easily hits targets up to 1000 yards and over. 

That’s cool and all, but let’s be honest:

You probably don’t shoot THAT far out. Instead, you probably shoot from one of three…

AR-10 Shooting Distances

These are the 3 ranges you’ll probably be shooting from:

• Close Range: >200 yards
• Medium Range: Between 200 to 400 yards
• Long Range: 400+ yards

Choose one range and move on. 

However, if you use more than one, that’s fine — I’ll cover that in just a bit. Once you’ve chosen your shooting distance, it’s now time to choose…

The Best Magnification for AR-10 Scopes

Here’s the honest truth: 

People either buy too little or too much magnification. Why? Because they don’t understand magnification.

If you’re new to rifle scopes, I highly recommend reading this section on magnification. Once you have, you’re ready to choose the right magnification for your riflescope. 

Close Range (>200 yards)

Truth is, the AR-10 isn’t a close-range weapon. 

However, if you’re using it for prairie dog hunting or some other closer-range uses, here’s what you’re going to need: 

• Magnification: 1 – 4X power

Alternatively, you can use a red dot (like a Fastfire 3 or Vortex Venom) or a Trijicon ACOG for your AR10.

Medium Range (200 – 400 yards)

This is the most common usage for the AR-10. Most people use it for hog hunting or bigger game hunting. If that’s the case, you’ll probably need:

• Magnification: Between 5 – 9X power 

This will allow you to see most big game targets with relative ease. 

Long Range (400+ yards)

This is the range AR-10 excels in. 

In fact, some people have used AR-10s to beat bolt action rifles in sharp shooting tournaments. How? The secret lies in choosing the right magnification and training. 

That said, here’s the best long-range magnification:

• Magnification: 9X and up

With all that said, here’s…

The Bottom Line On Magnification

It’s impossible to find a good scope for AR10 if you don’t first choose the right shooting distance. 

Otherwise, you’ll end up buying the wrong amount of magnification. That’s a lot of wasted money. Don’t make that mistake.

Instead, use this section to help guide your choice. If you combined magnifications — like using both medium and long range — you’ll need a variable powered scope. This allows you to shift through various magnifications. 

With that said, I think you’re ready to see the review of the best scope for AR 10 rifle. Let’s dig in!

The 5 Best Scopes for AR-10

If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best scope for AR 10:

1. Primary Arms Silver Series 4-14×44 (Best All Around Scope)
2. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 (Best Short-to-Long Range Scope)
3. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 (Best Long Range Scope)
4. UTG 3-12×44 (Best Budget AR 10 Scope)
5. Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 (Best Scope for AR 10 for Hunting)

1. Primary Arms Silver Series 4-14×44 (Best All Around Scope)

The Primary Arms 4-14×44 is overall the best AR-10 scope.

In fact: 

You can use it for target shooting, long-range shooting, tactical needs, and even hunting.

What makes it so versatile? Keep on reading to find out…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The PA 4-14×44 glass is crystal clear. 

The ACSS reticle is even more impressive. I’d describe it to you, but…as Morpheus said: 

“You have to see it for yourself.”

Here’s a video showing how it works (simulated):

The best part? 

The reticle doubles as a red dot and BDC. When the ACSS reticle was compared head-to-head with a red dot, it faired almost equally as well.

Here’s the results:

The red dot: 3.15 seconds

The ACSS reticle: 4.05 seconds 

(A 28% difference.)

So the reticle’s a good red dot alternative. How about the BDC? It doesn’t disappoint. The BDC reticle is designed to calculate the AR-10’s most popular ammo (.308/.223) bullet drop. 

That means more accurate long-distance shots.

The reticle is also placed in the first focal plane (FFP). This means the scope’s reticle size adjusts as you change magnifications. This allows for better, more accurate long-distance shots. 

The reticle doesn’t need a battery to operate because it’s directly etched into the glass. 

Here’s the reticle without illumination:

Here’s with illumination:

They even included 6-brightness setting knob so you can see the reticle in any lighting condition (especially low-light environments). 

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The 3.2 – 3.1 inches eye relief isn’t bad.

I didn’t have any issues with eye relief between 4-10X. 

However, when I shifted the magnification higher (11x – 14x), the eye relief and eye box became a little tight. 

To get around it, I practiced good cheek weld and used some mounting hardware.

Durability

This scope’s advertised as waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. 

Does it live up to its claims?

Definitely. I bumped it, dropped it, submerged it in water, and shot in foggy conditions with no problems. 

But this strength comes at a price: a weight of 1 pound and 7 ounces in weight. That’s heavy. To compensate, use a lightweight mount (included below).

Elevation & Windage Knobs

Primary Arms used the competitive shooter’s adjustment system: MRAD.

The .10 MIL turrets makes adjustment a bit more precise. The turrets produces positive clicks. 

The scope zeroes fast (within 3 rounds for me) and holds zero well. I was able to stack holes at 400 – 600 yards with no problems. And I also like the zero-reset feature, which makes turning back to zero a breeze.

Magnification & Parallax

This scope’s 4-14X magnification is ideal for short-to-long range target acquisition. 

The view remains clear and parallax-free regardless of the magnification you’re at (4X – 14X). In case parallax is ever a problem, you can use the included parallax knob to correct it, although it’s rarely an issue.

Mounting & Rings

Since the scope was heavy, I used the Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm mount to save weight. It’s worth the money.

If you want to preserve your scope lens, I recommend investing in some Butler Creek Caps (Eyepiece size: 19) (Objective size: 31). It’s cheap and protects your investment.

Primary Arms 4-14×44: Is it Worth it?

For people that use their AR-10 for medium-to-long range shooting, then this scope’s for you. 

Here’s why. It’s got: 

• Clear glass
• ACOG + BDC Reticle (or the ACSS reticle)
• First Focal Plane 
• Rugged Build
• Zero-reset turrets (for fast adjustments)
• Parallax adjustment knob

Put simply:

The PA 4-14×44 is the most affordable of its price range. It’s got nearly 5 stars on Amazon with over 150 reviews. It’s a proven pick. If you like it, then feel free to give it a try.

If not, let’s move onto the second scope…

(If you use an AR-15, you may be interested in reading my AR-15 scope guide)

2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 4-24×50 (Best Short-to-Long Range Scope)

The Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 is the best short-to-long range AR 10 scope for the money.

In fact:

I’ve used for hunting, tactical shooting, and even long range shooting (above 1,000 yards).

Interested? Keep on reading… 

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The glass is clear as day.

The lens are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission. This yields a bright, crisp image.

However, slight distortion along the edges become apparent at the highest magnification (24x).

You may have noticed the reticle. It’s an EBR-4 MOA reticle. 

Here’s how it looks like:

The reticle’s quite advanced. It’s specifically designed for long-distance shots, estimating holdover, range, windage, and more. 

It’s also set in the second focal plane (SFP). This means the reticle size remains the same regardless of the zoom. This makes the reticle usable at all ranges. 

The reticle’s also illuminated. Here’s how it looks:

You can choose from 11 different brightness settings. The battery life on it isn’t too bad either. 

Eye Relief & Eye Box

You get 3.5 inches of generous eye relief.

That’s great for the AR-10. The eyebox, on the other hand, gets tight at the highest magnification (24x). 

To fix that, I practice proper cheek weld.

Durability

It’s completely water, fog and shockproof. 

This is due to the O-ring sealed, nitrogen purged, aircraft-grade aluminum build. Which is english for…

It won’t break. But this durability comes at a cost:  

It weighs 25.6 ounces (1.6 pounds). To compensate, invest in a light mount (covered below).

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The turrets themselves are tactical and zero resettable.

This allows you to adjust the dials and return to zero in record time. A plus if you’re into long-range shooting or hunting (where frequent adjustments are required). 

I also liked how the turrets produced a positive, audible click sound when turned. 

However, the dials are VERY stiff to turn at first. But it loosens up with usage.

Magnification & Parallax

The 4x – 24x magnification is great for short-to-long range shooting.

Here’s how it looks at 4x:

And at 24x:

The sight remains clear and parallax-free at all ranges. If parallax ever becomes an issue, use the side parallax knob 🙂

But beware: just like how the turrets are a bit stiff, so too are the magnification and side parallax knob. As mentioned earlier, it’ll loosen up with usage. 

Mounting & Rings

I went with a Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm Mount 2-inch offset. It’s easy to install and holds zero like a champ. 

While you’re at it, get some solid lens protection like the Vortex Defender Flip Caps (Eye Piece Size: E-10, 41.5-46mm) (Objective Size: O-50, 55-59mm). It’ll keep your glass scratch-free for years to come. 

Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 Review: Is it Worth it?

If you’re looking for a great entry point short-to-long range scope, the Strike Eagle is for you.

Despite some slight distortion (at high magnifications) and stiff knobs, it’s got:

• Short-to-long-range magnification (4-24X)
• Clear glass
• Illuminated reticle
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Generous eye relief 
• Durable
• Solid turrets

In short:

It’s the best entry level long-range scope. It’s also backed by Vortex’s bullet proof lifetime warranty. If your scope breaks, they’ll repair it for free.

However, if you’re looking for the best long range scope, then you’ll want to get a…

3. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 (Best Long Range Scope)

The Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is the best long range AR-10 rifle on the market.

In fact:

It does everything an expensive Nightforce scope can do…without the arms and legs price tag. 

Like what? Read further to find out…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The glass is 1080P clear. 

Some have went so far as to call the Viper PST a “half-price Vortex Razor HD.” And I agree. 

Here’s a side by side comparison:

How is the Viper that clear? 

The secret lies in the PST’s extra-low dispersion (XD) glass construction. This construction, along with the fully multi-coated lens, maximizes light transmission for a high-res image.

That’s why it looks like this:

In that image, you may have noticed the weird looking reticle. 

What is that thing? 

Vortex calls it the EBR-2C MRAD reticle. This reticle is specially engineered for long-range shots. 

In fact: 

It can estimate for holdover, windage, and even bullet drop. 

It’s a very advanced. That said, there’s a downside to the reticle: 

It’s a bit thin at the lowest magnification (5X):

However at higher magnifications (25X), this problem goes away:

This is due to the PST Gen II’s first focal plane. 

In plain english, this means the reticle size adjusts with your magnification. This makes long-distance adjustments easier and more accurate.

The reticle is also very bright and clear. 

Here’s how it looks illuminated:

It’s day light visible. It even comes with a 10-setting illumination knob. The battery life isn’t too bad either. Just make sure to have some extra CR2032 batteries in your range bag.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

You get a generous 3.4” of eye relief. The eye box is also quite forgiving.  

That’s more than perfect for the AR-10 platform. 

The best part?

The eye relief stays consistent throughout the magnification.

Durability

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II will keep working wherever you are. The PST is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, snowproof and even…

…Fireproof. 

It was even thrown out of a moving car (at 43.5 MPH):

Buried in dirt:

Despite all that, the scope still held zero and functioned perfectly. The glass is also scratch, dirt, and oil-proof due to the ArmorTek coating. 

That means, you can bring this scope anywhere. However, the durability (and glass quality) comes at a cost: 

Heavier weight. 

The PST is 2 pounds — much heavier than almost all the scopes on this list. 

Why is that? Two reasons: 

1. Durability. The PST’s WW2-like tank build.
2. Tactical Glass. The quality precision glass is heavier than average scope glass. 

That said, this isn’t a reason for concern. If you’re using this scope for precision shooting, you likely won’t be moving around that much.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The tactical windage and elevation turrets are reliable.

They produces crisp, tacticle clicks. It adjusts smoothly. It even comes with textured grips around each knob:

This makes adjustments easy…even with gloved hands or wet hands. 

Zeroing was easy. I was able to zero in within 5 rounds. It also held zero. The scope tracking worked perfectly. 

But the feature I liked the most was the RZR Zero stop feature. This is a feature you usually only see in Nightforce scopes. 

But good news: Vortex added it to this scope. With it, you can’t adjust past your sight-in zero. 

Here’s a video showing to set it up: 

Notice how it stopped when it reached the initial zero? That’s what the zero stop does. 

It’s invaluable for long-distance shots (which require frequent adjustments).

Magnification & Parallax

The 5-25X magnification is great for medium-to-extreme long range. 

The magnification ring adjusts smoothly: 

The best part?

The scope remains clear and parallax-free throughout all magnification ranges (5x – 25x). On a sunny day, I can see up to a 1000 yards with this scope. 

But there’s a problem…

Weather affects clarity. 

For example, if it snows or rains, you’ll find the clarity at higher magnifications (20-25X) to be much worse. 

Why is that?

According to Vortex, it’s due to the clarity. Think about it like a microscope. Whenever you look at a specimen under higher magnification, what do you see? 

Everything…including all the details. 

The same applies to this scope. If you’re out shooting in weathery conditions, the PST will likely pick up the individual snow and rain droplets. Keep that in mind. 

That said, it’s not really a problem. It’s just a FYI so you can accommodate during bad weather.

Mounting & Rings

For the Viper, I recommend a Midwest Industries 30mm Quick Disconnect Mount. It’s easy to install and take off. 

Alternatively, you can go for the cheaper Aero Precision Ultralight Extended Mount. It keeps the scope on solid, doesn’t add weight and relatively cheap. 

One last thing: 

Invest in some quality flip up caps like these Vortex Defender Flip Caps (Eye Piece Size: E-10, 41.5-46mm) (Objective Size: O-50, 55-59mm). They’ll keep your lens pristine for years to come and they’re much better than the included bikini covers. 

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 Review: Is it Worth it?

If you’re a tactical precision shooter or long range shooter, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25×50 is for you.

Here’s why:

• Long Range Magnification (can see up to a 1000 yards)
• Crystal Clear Glass
• First Focal Plane
• MRAD Reticle
• Tactical, Glove Adjustable Turrets
• Zero Stop
• Illuminated Reticle
• ‘Bomb-Ready’ Durability
• Lifetime VIP Warranty

Put another way:

The Viper PST Gen II is the best long-range AR-10 on the market. It’s got all the expensive Nightforce scope features without the price tag.

Sure: it costs a pretty penny. And I’ll admit, it’s not for everyone. But if you can afford it and you want to take your long distance shots to the next level, the Viper Gen II won’t disappoint. 

4. UTG 3-12×44 (Best Budget AR 10 Scope)

If you’re looking for a good budget AR-10 scope, look no further than the UTG 3-12×44.

It does the basics, works out-of-the-box, and very affordable ($100). It’s the same scope I recommend in my best scope for Mini 14 guide.

But how well does the UTG perform? 

Keep on reading to find out…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

I’m going to be honest: 

The glass is no Vortex Diamondback or Primary Arms Silver Series. But it gets the job done.

The reticle’s a simple Mil-Dot. It’s easy-to-use and helps estimate long-distance shot (great for beginners). 

Here’s how the reticle looks:

You can even change the reticle color to one out of 36 colors. That’s a pretty cool feature but not needed.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

You get 3.3 inches of eye relief.

That’s enough for the AR-10 (a low-recoil firearm). 

Although I did have one problem: the eyebox was tight at the highest magnification. So if you intend to use the scope solely at 12X mag, I’d look for another option.

Durability

The UTG 3-12×44 is shockproof, waterproof and fogproof out-of-the-box.

But it comes at a hefty cost: 

A whopping 25.6 ounces. 

That’s way too heavy for hunting. Even worse, the scope’s length which some have described as having a “Pringles Can on top of your rifle”. That’s pretty accurate. 

That’s why I recommending using the UTG only shooting at the range (or where there’s limited movement). It will slow you down.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The turrets work although they’re a bit stiff. But they get better as you use them more. 

The turrets zero relatively fast and hold zero with its lockable and resettable turrets.

Magnification & Parallax

At the lowest setting (3X), the sight picture is pretty clear.

Here’s how it looks:

However, at the highest magnification (12X), it gets fuzzy.

Here’s how it looks:

As you can see, there’s distortion around the edge. The image quality starts to blur slightly. And the eyebox gets a bit tight.  

Also, the magnification knob itself is a bit stiff. But, just like the turrets, they get better with use.

That said, the views on this sight remain clear (and parallax-free) throughout most magnifications. This is due to the side wheel adjustment turret (SWAT).

Mounting & Rings

This scope’s ready out-of-the-box. 

It comes with: 

• Medium profile rings 
• Lens Caps

In short: The scope’s ready to go. Just set up and start firing.

UTG 3-12×44: Is it Worth it?

If you’re on a budget or just want a decent entry point AR-10 scope, then the UTG 3-12×44 is for you. 

Here’s why:

• Decent glass (for the price)
• Easy-To-Use Mil Dot Reticle
• Illumination
• Working Turrets
• Ready out-of-the-box
• Lifetime Warranty

Put simply:

The UTG 3-12×44 is a great budget AR-10 scope for beginners. It gets the job done for almost under $100. It’s the same scope I recommend in my 300 blackout scope guide.

5. Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP (Best AR 10 Scope For Hunting) 

If you hunt with your AR-10, you need to get yourself a Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40.

It’s great for varmint hunting, big game hunting, and long-distance shots. 

Why is that? Read further to find out…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The glass clarity is good for the price, but the Primary Arms glass is better. 

It works well in low-light conditions (like before dawn or after dusk).

The scope’s got a bit of distortion whenever you go to the highest magnification (12X). It’s still usable but…noticeable.  

The Dead hold BDC reticle makes long-distance shots easy. You simply zero at 100 yards and then use the hashmarks to guide your shot.

Here’s a video showing how the BDC works:

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The 3.1 inches of eye relief isn’t the greatest. But it gets the job done. 

I’ve had zero issues with the eye box or inadequate eye relief except in one case: 12X (the max magnification).

At this magnification, the eyebox gets a bit tight. To solve it, I used proper mounting hardware and good cheek weld (always a must).

Durability

The Diamondback is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. 

And it only weighs a light 14.6 ounces. This makes it perfect for hunters that are constantly moving around, stalking their prey.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The turrets zero in fast and hold zero well.

The finger-adjustable turrets produce positive click sounds. They’re exceptional. Enough said.

Magnification & Parallax

This scope’s 4-12X magnification is great for hunting (which is medium-to-long range). 

It’s parallax-free from 100 yards and up.

Mounting & Rings

I mounted the Diamondback on a 1” Vortex Cantilever mount. The mount’s lightweight and sturdy.

To protect the scope, I got some Vortex Defender Flip Caps (E-10 & O-40). They’re way better at protecting your lens than the included bikini covers.

Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 SFP Review: Is it Worth it?

If you use your AR-10 for hunting, then get the Diamondback 4-12×40. It’s the best AR-10 scope for hunting.

Here’s why:

• Affordable
• Clear glass 
• Bright views (even in low-light conditions) 
• Hunting BDC reticle 
• Lightweight 
• Included Lifetime warranty

It’s got everything you need without all the fancy bells and whistles. If it calls out to you, then pick one up.

Lastly:

I’ll be doing an in-depth night vision scope guide soon, but for now, if you use your AR-10 during night-time operations (or simply need a night vision scope), a solid choice is Sightmark’s Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Scope.

You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these optics. Just pick one based on your use and budget and take it out for a spin. 

If you don’t like it, you can always return it back to Amazon thanks to the 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.

Disclosure

How I Get My Scopes

I bought every scope I mentioned above from Amazon. I paid the same price as any other customer. I do this to write the most honest and unbiased review I possibly can.

External Contributions

I didn’t receive any external contributions from scope manufacturers nor do I advertise for them. In fact, I don’t accept advertising on my site.

Every scope you see is hand-tested and personally recommended by me with no outside manufacturer influence. I have no financial connections to any scope company. This is not a sponsored post. 

Affiliate Links

If you choose to make a purchase through my Amazon affiliate link, I do get a small commission for the sale (around 1-4%). This doesn’t effect your purchase price nor do I see what you purchase.

In return, I use this money to put food on my table, keep annoying ads off my site, and keep the honest reviews coming.

Now It’s Your Turn

I really hope you enjoyed my best scopes for AR-10 guide. 

From my research and testing, these are the best AR-10 rifle scopes on the market. I will update this guide as I find more picks. 

That said, I’d like to turn it over to you:

Which riflescope from this list will you use on your AR-10? Maybe a Primary Arms 4-14×44 FFP or a Vortex Diamondback. Or perhaps you use a different riflescope?

Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment down below. Also, if you have any other recommendations, please let me know.

And to our soldiers out there: thank you for the risks you take and the sacrifices you make. Stay safe out there.