The 10 Best Optics for the Scar 17 in 2021
Photo: Nikon
The Scar 17 gun is a very modular assault rifle that a removable barrel, which allows you to switch between different caliber rounds. This makes it very versatile because it can be used by different shooters who prefer different caliber bullets.
That said, the gun has a wide firing range, which is usually determined by the barrel you use. This is usually a short-to-medium range though, with the capability to hit targets 300-900 yds out.
With that in mind, if you want accuracy at this range, this review covers 10 of the best optics for the Scar 17 to consider buying.
10 Best Optics for Scar 17 – Review
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1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II (Best Scope) |
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2. Vortex Optics RZR-AMG-3 (Best Holographic Sight) |
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3. Sig Sauer SOR52001 (Best Red Dot Sight) |
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4. Trijicon TA11J-308G (Best ACOG Optic) |
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5. Bushnell 731303 (Best Budget) |
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6. Burris 300234 (Compact) |
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7. Nikon 16307 (Versatile) |
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8. Eotech EXPS3-0TAN (Night Vision for Holographic Sight) |
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9. Vortex Optics RZR-16003 (Highly Adjustable) |
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10. Primary Arms SLX (Has Illuminated Reticle) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II (Best Scope) |
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2. Vortex Optics RZR-AMG-3 (Best Holographic Sight) |
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3. Sig Sauer SOR52001 (Best Red Dot Sight) |
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4. Trijicon TA11J-308G (Best ACOG Optic) |
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5. Bushnell 731303 (Best Budget) |
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6. Burris 300234 (Compact) |
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7. Nikon 16307 (Versatile) |
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8. Eotech EXPS3-0TAN (Night Vision for Holographic Sight) |
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9. Vortex Optics RZR-16003 (Highly Adjustable) |
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10. Primary Arms SLX (Has Illuminated Reticle) |
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II – Best Scope for the Scar 17
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 2-10x, 3-15x, 5-25x
- Objective Lens: 32mm, 44mm, 50mm
- Material: Aluminum
If you specifically want a scope for your rifle , the Viper Gen II is the best option due to a couple of reasons. For starters, it is available in three magnification sizes with the largest one being very powerful (5-25x). This makes it versatile enough for short, medium and long-range shooting.
The scope also has an illuminated tactical EBR-2C MOA reticle that has hash marks for ranging, holdover and windage correction. This reticle has 10 brightness adjustment settings and is placed in the first focal plane, which makes it easy-to-read as it grows in size as you zoom in.
A large 50mm objective lens that is made of extra-low dispersion glass helps to increase the brightness and resolution of the field of view while the full multicoating eliminates glares.
Other features include parallax adjustment from 25 yds to infinity, shockproof aluminum construction with a hard-anodized finish, 1/4 MOA click adjustment, 35 and 75 MOA max adjustment for windage and elevation respectively, and a fast-focus eyepiece.
On the downside, the product is quite expensive to buy.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Vortex Optics RZR-AMG-3 – Best Holographic Sight for the Scar 17
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 1x
- Range: 400 yds
- Material: Aluminum
Vortex’s RZR-AMG-3 takes the top spot when it comes to holographic sights because of its EBR-CQB reticle. This reticle has both a center dot and a bottom triangle, which give you a targeting advantage for different ranges.
The bottom triangle lets you zero in on close-range targets that are up to 10 yds out while the center dot gives you an aim on targets that are 25-400 yds out.
Other than that, the unit is composed of a single fused holographic element, which gives a sharp field of view with no distortions.
More features include an efficient power system that prolongs the battery life, a micro-USB charging port, a quick-release mounting system for use on Weaver or Picatinny rails and shockproof aluminum construction with scratch-resistant windows for maximum durability.
On the downside, the windage and elevation knobs require a flathead tool or coin in order to make any adjustments.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Sig Sauer SOR52001 – Best Red Dot Sight for the Scar 17
Photo: Sig Sauer
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens: 20mm
- Material: Aluminum
For a red dot sight , Sig Sauer’s SOR52001 stands out because it has an illuminated 2 MOA red-dot reticle with 10 illumination settings.
Of these, 8 are for intensity adjustment during different times of the day while 2 are for night vision. This enables you to hunt in all light conditions.
Apart from that, the scope has motion-activated illumination, which powers off the red dot if no activity is detected. This enhances the battery life to give you up to 40,000 hrs. on a new coin battery.
You also get a Picatinny M1913 low-mount and a 1.41-in co-witness riser mount, a fog-proof and waterproof design, and Spectracoat anti-reflective coating to reduce glares.
However, the unit has a small 20mm objective lens, which limits the amount of light that gets through to your eye.
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Cons:
4. Trijicon TA11J-308G – Best ACOG Optic for the Scar 17
Photo: Trijicon
- Magnification: 3.5x
- Objective Lens: 35mm
- Range: 1312 yds
- Material: Aluminum
ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is primarily a technology made by Trijicon and it is like a bridge between a scope and a red dot sight. This specific model is the best ACOG optic in this review due to a number of reasons.
For starters, it has a green illuminated crosshair reticle with BDC markings out to a range of 1200 meters (1312 yds) for the .308 cal.
This reticle is illuminated via a battery-free illumination technology, which utilizes tritium and fiber optics to automatically adjust the brightness based on the available light.
Though it has a relatively short eye relief of 2.4 in., the unit has a both-eyes-open design for easy use. This utilizes the Bindon Aiming Concept, which gives a better and wider field of view.
Other features include a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum alloy housing and a flattop thumbscrew mount system for easy installation. The only problem is that the piece is quite expensive.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Bushnell 731303 – Best Budget Optic for the Scar 17
Photo: Bushnell
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens: 25mm
If you are on a tight budget, Bushnell’s 731303 is the most affordable optic to consider buying for your Scar 17. It is equipped with a 3 MOA red dot reticle with 11 brightness adjustment settings to suit different low light environments.
The unit is also very easy to use because its adjustment dials are designed to be tuned tool-free. Underneath is a Picatinny mounting system that will fit easily on most Picatinny rails.
An unlimited eye relief makes it possible to view with both eyes open while multicoated lenses give you a crisp, high-contrast image for easy target spotting.
Other features include a rubber scope cover for protecting both the objective and ocular lenses, nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed optics for fog proof and waterproof performance, and a shockproof metal housing.
However, the sight lacks night vision technology for hunting in the dark.
Pros:
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6. Burris 300234 – Compact Optic for the Scar 17
Photo: Burris
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens: 21 x 15mm
- Material: Aluminum
With a length of only 1.9 in., Burris’ 300234 is very compact. It is also very lightweight (1.5 oz.) and these characteristics make it ideal for pairing to an existing sight or even using it on its own.
On its own, you get a 3 MOA red dot reticle with pinpoint accuracy. Brightness is controlled manually via 3 settings but you also get a brightness sensor for automatic adjustment. This adjusts the intensity to match the environmental conditions, which is very convenient.
Other features include tool-free windage and elevation adjustment, a low battery warning indicator, Picatinny mounting for easy installation and a waterproof roof to keep the sight’s glass clear and clean.
On the downside, the product has a small objective lens that measures 21 x 15mm but it has a Hi-Lume coating for enhanced low light performance and glare elimination.
Pros:
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7. Nikon 16307 – Versatile Optic for the Scar 17
Photo: Nikon
- Magnification: 4-16x
- Objective Lens: 42mm
Just like all Nikon scopes, this 16307-model is equipped with Spot-On Ballistic Match technology. This technology allows you to discover all the exact aiming points of the unit’s reticle for different rounds at different yardages, making it very versatile.
That said, the scope is equipped with a BDC 800 reticle that has a simple, uncluttered design. It is composed of ballistic circles that are effective at long-range shooting and the minimal markings give you a clear field of view for close-range firing.
Other features include multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds for optimum light transmission with minimal glares, a relatively large 42mm objective lens for maximum light penetration and zero-reset turrets for easy referencing when making adjustments after shooting.
The only problem is that the reticle is not illuminated for easy night time hunting.
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8. Eotech EXPS3-0TAN – Night Vision Compatible Scar 17 Holographic Sight
Photo: Eotech
- Magnification: 1x
- Material: Aluminum
Eotech’s EXPS3-0TAN is a night-vision compatible holographic sight that can be used together with Gen 1-3-night vision devices for enhanced night time hunting performance.
Apart from that, the sight is quite compact in size, measuring in at only 3.8 in. in length. This is made possible by side-mounted operation buttons and this ensures it occupies very little rail space when installed on the rifle.
That said, the piece is fitted with a quick-detach lever for easy installation on 1-in Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rails.
Other features include a 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA dot, a 2-eye open design, a 7mm raised base that allows for lower iron sight access, a waterproof design and a CR123 battery with 1000 hrs. of use when new.
The only problem is that the side-mounted buttons require a flathead tool or coin for adjustment.
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9. Vortex Optics RZR-16003 – Highly Adjustable Scar 17 Scope
Photo: Vortex
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Range: 600 yds
- Material: Aluminum
While most scopes usually have a maximum windage and elevation adjustment of about 60-100 MOA, Vortex Optics’ RZR-16003 has 150 MOA maximum adjustment on both scales, which is quite a lot.
This gives you a wide field of view to play around with and ensures the target never gets out of sight.
A JM-1 BDC reticle is placed inside the unit and it has an illuminated center dot plus a range of roughly 600 yds, which quite sufficient for the Scar 17 rifle.
You also get a locking side illumination dial on the left side of the scope and this gives you 11 intensity levels with off positions between each level for easy setting.
Other features include multicoated lenses with extra-low dispersion glass for bright, high-contrast imaging, capped low-profile zero-reset turrets for quick setting, a fast-focus eyepiece and shockproof aluminum construction with argon-filled, O-ring sealed optics.
However, the scope is very expensive and it lacks mounting accessories for easy installation.
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10. Primary Arms SLX – Scar 17 Optic with an Illuminated Reticle
Photo: Primary Arms
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Lens: 24mm
- Range: 800 yds
- Material: Aluminum
Rounding up the list is Primary Arms’s SLX, which is characterized by an illuminated ACSS reticle that has 11 brightness adjustment settings.
This reticle combines several features such as BDC, moving target leads, range estimation and wind holds in an easy-to-use system that is very fast at a range of up to 300 yds and very accurate from 300-800 yds.
Apart from that, the scope has a shockproof 6063 aluminum construction with a camouflaged matte black finish. It also has waterproof and fog proof lenses for clear viewing in all weather conditions.
Other features include a pair of flip-up lens covers, a cleaning cloth, a 3V coin battery and multicoated lenses for maximum light transmission with minimal glares.
On the downside, mounting rings are not included for easy installation.
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Types of Optics
Photo: Burris
1. Red Dots Sights
The name says it all. Red dot sights place a red dot on the target and they usually have a simple design with no magnification. They can be used on their own or with iron sights.
Their main advantage is that they automatically adjust the angle of view to the target and therefore, parallax error is not going to be an issue.
2. Holographic Sights
These are slightly better than red dot sights because their reticles contain a small red dot inside an illuminated red circle. In fact, some units such as Vortex Optics’ RZR-AMG-3 contains an additional bottom triangle for enhancing your targeting advantage.
However, these sights usually have small levels of parallax error, though this has a small effect on accuracy.
3. Conventional Scopes
The main difference between scopes and sights is magnification. Scopes are equipped with magnification adjustment settings, which are ideal for short, medium and long-range use.
There is a variation though in the name of ACOGs, which are sometimes referred to as sights and other times as scopes.
They are technically a bridge between the two because they don’t have magnification settings but are very tactical and can have a long-range because their magnification is not always 1x. They are mostly made by Trijicon and the perfect example is the TA11J-308G .
How to Buy the Best Optic for Scar 17
1. Magnification Power
For an optic, the first thing to check is its magnification. A powerful magnification is not necessarily the best because this is only suitable for long-range shooting. As such, selection should be based on your hunting requirements.
Therefore, if you mostly hunt at long range , a scope such as Vortex Optics’s Viper PST Gen II is better off because of its powerful 25x magnification. An ACOG sight can also work because its magnification can be quite high such as the 3.5x in Trijicon’s TA11J-308G .
However, for short-range shooting, red dot or holographic sights like the Vortex Optics RZR-AMG-3 and Sig Sauer SOR52001 respectively, are recommended.
2. Objective Lens
With the objective lens, the larger it is, the better. This is because lenses are the entry points for light, which forms the field of view. Sights usually have smaller lenses than scopes, which gives the latter a brightness advantage.
That said, the 50mm lens in Vortex Optics’s Viper PST Gen II gives better performance than other smaller units.
3. Lens Coating
Apart from size, you should also check the lens coating technology. For instance, the most common and popular multicoating technology, which is available in almost all the optics above, utilizes anti-reflective compounds to eliminate glares.
However, units such as Vortex Optics’ RZR-16003 add on extra-low dispersion feature to the glass for better imaging.
4. Eye Relief
Eye relief is meant for safety purposes. Ideally, the longer it is, the better because this ensures you place your eye at a safe distance from the ocular lens to prevent recoil collision.
5. Reticle Styles
Another important thing to consider is the reticle style and there is quite a wide variety of them.
Ideally, tactical ones like the EBR-2C MOA and ACSS reticles in Vortex Optics’s Viper PST Gen II and Primary Arms’ SLX are recommended for long-range shooting. This is because they have range estimating and wind correction capabilities.
For short-range, simple dot reticles are suitable because the eye’s capabilities in range estimation can be trusted. Regardless of the range though, illumination is recommended for proper visibility in low light environments.
Sig Sauer’s SOR52001 actually has 2 night-vision settings, which makes it stand out from the rest because you can continue hunting in the dark.
6. Mounting
For easy installation, the optic should come with mounting accessories or a built-in mounting system. Using Vortex Optics’ RZR-AMG-3 as an example, it actually has a quick-release mounting system for quick fixing and removal from your rifle.
Eotech’s EXPS3-0TAN also has a similar setup and this is recommended for easy installation.
7. Construction
Lastly, for maximum durability, the optic should have a sturdy, rugged tube. Most optics are usually built using aluminum and therefore, sturdiness is almost always guaranteed.
However, Vortex Optics’s Viper PST Gen II features a hard-anodized finish, which is rustproof and very durable. Such a finish is highly recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, with its 300 – 900-yd range, the Scar 17 can be used with any of the optics above. However, if you want a scope, we recommend Vortex Optics’s Viper PST Gen II due to its wide and powerful magnification range, as well as an illuminated tactical reticle.
If you want a holographic sight, Vortex Optics’ RZR-AMG-3 is the best option due to its center-dot and bottom-triangle reticle plus efficient power system.
For a red dot sight though, be sure to check out Sig Sauer’s SOR52001 , which has night vision illumination and a motion-activated sensor for battery conservation.
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10 Best Optics for Scar 17 – Review
- 1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II – Best Scope for the Scar 17
- 2. Vortex Optics RZR-AMG-3 – Best Holographic Sight for the Scar 17
- 3. Sig Sauer SOR52001 – Best Red Dot Sight for the Scar 17
- 4. Trijicon TA11J-308G – Best ACOG Optic for the Scar 17
- 5. Bushnell 731303 – Best Budget Optic for the Scar 17
- 6. Burris 300234 – Compact Optic for the Scar 17
- 7. Nikon 16307 – Versatile Optic for the Scar 17
- 8. Eotech EXPS3-0TAN – Night Vision Compatible Scar 17 Holographic Sight
- 9. Vortex Optics RZR-16003 – Highly Adjustable Scar 17 Scope
- 10. Primary Arms SLX – Scar 17 Optic with an Illuminated Reticle
- Types of Optics
- How to Buy the Best Optic for Scar 17
- Conclusion
