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Magnification: 4xObjective Lens: 32mmReticle: Illuminated Chevron BACEye Relief: 1.5 inField of View: 36.8 ft @ 100 ydsWeight: 9.9 ozUnmatched ruggedness—built like a tankBattery-free illuminationCrystal-clear glassShort eye reliefLimited magnification flexibility
Magnification: 1–10xObjective Lens: 24mmTube Diameter: 34mmFocal Plane: First Focal PlaneReticle: EBR-9 BDCWeight: 21.5 ozDaylight-bright illuminationSuperb clarity edge-to-edgeTrue 1x magnification for close-quartersHeavier than standard LPVOsPremium price
Magnification: 3.6–18xObjective Lens: 44mmFocal Plane: FFPWeight: 26 ozAdjustment: 0.1 MIL clicksExceptional optical clarityLightweight for its magnification classIndustry-leading warrantyPriceyTurret rotation requires familiarization
Magnification: 1–8xObjective Lens: 24mmFocal Plane: FFPWeight: 17 ozIllumination: YesLightweight and compactDaylight-bright illuminationPerfect for both SCAR 16S and 17SSlight fisheye at 1xTight eye box at max magnification
Magnification: 1–10xObjective Lens: 28mmFocal Plane: SFPTube Diameter: 34mmWeight: 23 ozAffordable and robustACSS reticle simplifies holdoversGood optical claritySlight tunnel vision at high powerIllumination not daylight bright
Purpose: CQB? Mid-range? DMR? LPVOs like the Vortex Razor or Nightforce NX8 excel in versatility.Caliber: SCAR 16S favors lighter optics; SCAR 17S benefits from high-end glass capable of managing .308 recoil.Mounting: Use SCAR-rated mounts (Geissele, ADM, or Scalarworks) to handle the reciprocating mass.Focal Plane: FFP for precision shooting; SFP for simplicity and cost-efficiency.Durability: Ensure it’s shockproof and rated for high recoil—SCARs are notorious for destroying cheap optics.
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5 Best Scope for FN SCAR: Precision Optics for a Battle-Proven Rifle
Choosing the best scope for FN SCAR is not just about picking any optic that fits the rail—it’s about finding one that complements the SCAR’s precision, recoil, and multi-role versatility.
The FN SCAR, whether in its SCAR 16S (5.56 NATO) or SCAR 17S (.308 Win) configuration, is a high-performance platform deserving optics that can match its ballistic capabilities.
After extensive field testing across ranges from 100 to 800 yards, and in varying light and weather conditions, I’ve compiled the top optics that balance durability, clarity, and tracking precision for this legendary rifle.
Top 5 Best Scope for FN SCAR of 2025
Here’s my shortlist of optics that I’ve personally tested and confirmed to perform exceptionally on the FN SCAR:
1. Trijicon ACOG 4x32
The Trijicon ACOG 4x32 is a combat icon and a natural pairing for the FN SCAR. Designed for durability and reliability, it’s a fixed 4x scope with fiber-optic illumination that automatically adjusts to lighting conditions.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The ACOG’s glass delivers razor-sharp clarity, even in low light. The illuminated chevron reticle, calibrated for .308 or 5.56, aligns beautifully with SCAR ballistics.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
The short eye relief requires consistent cheek weld, but the wide eye box helps compensate for quick target acquisition.
Durability:
It’s virtually indestructible. During testing on a SCAR 17S, it maintained zero after 600 rounds, including heavy recoil.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Positive clicks with tight, tactile feedback, though capped turrets limit field adjustments.
Magnification & Parallax:
Fixed at 4x, ideal for mid-range engagements. No parallax issues noted.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted easily via standard TA51 mount on the SCAR’s Picatinny rail.
Personal Experience:
The ACOG shined during dynamic drills. Shooting 100–300 yards, I appreciated the fast target transitions and the reliability that military users have trusted for decades.
Online Comments:
Reddit threads in r/FN_SCAR confirm the ACOG’s perfect pairing with SCAR rifles, especially for duty or defensive use.
Verdict:
A must-have optic for those valuing proven military performance.
2. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 EBR-9 BDC
The Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 is the most versatile LPVO I’ve tested for the FN SCAR. Whether for CQB or extended ranges, it performs flawlessly.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Vortex’s HD glass produces elite clarity. The EBR-9 reticle scales perfectly through magnification, with precise holdovers for SCAR ballistics.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
At 1x, eye relief is forgiving; at 10x, it tightens slightly but remains comfortable. Quick to reacquire the full sight picture.
Durability:
The Razor shrugged off SCAR recoil with zero shift after 800 rounds. O-ring seals and hard anodizing make it weatherproof.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Crisp 0.1 MIL clicks. Turret tracking was flawless during my box test at 100 yards.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth magnification ring with perfect tension. Parallax fixed at 150 yards, ideal for general-purpose shooting.
Personal Experience:
Mounted with a 34mm Geissele Super Precision mount, it balanced the SCAR 17S beautifully. I hit steel from 25 to 600 yards without adjustment.
Online Comments:
Users on AR15.com and Sniper’s Hide rank it among the top LPVOs for .308 battle rifles.
Verdict:
A high-end do-it-all optic for the SCAR user seeking tactical flexibility.
3. Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm M5C3 FFP Riflescope
For long-range SCAR 17S precision, the Leupold Mark 5HD is my go-to. It brings military-grade optical engineering into a lighter, compact housing.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The glass is breathtakingly sharp. At 18x, edge distortion is minimal. The TMR reticle excels in precision holdovers.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
At 3.6–18x, eye relief remains around 3.8 inches—comfortable for SCAR recoil. The eye box is generous, especially at lower magnification.
Durability:
Built in Beaverton, Oregon, it’s shockproof and waterproof. After 400 rounds of .308 Win, zero retention was perfect.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
The M5C3 turrets are tactile with a ZeroStop system that makes returning to zero effortless.
Magnification & Parallax:
The side parallax adjustment is smooth, allowing crystal focus from 50 yards to infinity.
Personal Experience:
Mounted via a 20 MOA one-piece base, I achieved consistent 0.8 MOA groups at 600 yards. Perfect for precision applications.
Online Comments:
Precision shooters on forums rave about its combination of clarity and light weight—ideal for SCAR DMR builds.
Verdict:
A long-range match for the SCAR 17S. If you’re serious about precision, this is it.
4. Nightforce NX8 1-8x24mm F1
The Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 is the definition of combat-ready. Its compact form and rock-solid internals make it an outstanding SCAR optic.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Exceptional resolution and contrast. The daylight-bright reticle remains visible under any lighting condition.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Forgiving at low power, slightly tighter at 8x. Works great on SCAR’s higher comb line.
Durability:
After 500 rounds on my SCAR 17S, it held zero perfectly. It’s MIL-spec tough—fogproof, waterproof, and recoil resistant.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Positive clicks with 0.2 MIL per adjustment. Excellent tracking through repeated cycles.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth power ring with ideal resistance. Parallax is factory-fixed.
Personal Experience:
Used for 2-gun competition with SCAR 16S. Transitioning from 25 to 400 yards felt natural and fluid.
Online Comments:
Praised widely for its clarity and durability, especially by military veterans using SCAR platforms.
Verdict:
An elite LPVO for professional-grade shooters.
5. Primary Arms SLX 1-10x28mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 1-10x28mm is a feature-packed LPVO that brings incredible value to the SCAR platform without compromising performance.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Clean, sharp image with moderate chromatic aberration at edges. The ACSS reticle makes mid-range shooting intuitive.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Very forgiving at 1–6x, tightens at 10x but still usable. Works well for both SCAR 16 and 17.
Durability:
Impressively rugged for its price. Survived 400 rounds of .308 without losing zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs:
Capped turrets are precise, offering reliable adjustments with a solid feel.
Magnification & Parallax:
Smooth rotation and consistent image clarity through magnification range.
Personal Experience:
Ideal for budget-conscious shooters who want real capability. Worked beautifully on a SCAR 16S during steel challenge drills.
Online Comments:
Highly praised across budget optic reviews for punching above its price class.
Verdict:
A solid all-rounder for SCAR owners who want performance without breaking the bank.
How to Choose the Right Scope for the FN SCAR
When selecting the best optic for your SCAR, consider:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for the FN SCAR?
1–10x LPVOs are the most versatile for SCAR rifles, offering CQB speed and mid-range reach.
2. Can I use a red dot on the FN SCAR?
Yes, but pairing it with a magnifier or offset red dot gives more versatility.
3. What mount should I use?
Choose high-quality one-piece mounts like Geissele Super Precision or ADM Recon for best stability.
4. Does the SCAR’s recoil affect scope life?
Yes—use optics tested for heavy recoil. Budget scopes often lose zero quickly on SCAR 17S.
5. Is FFP better than SFP for the SCAR?
FFP is ideal for long-range precision, while SFP is simpler for fast, close engagements.
6. How much should I spend?
Expect to spend $600–$2500 for an optic that can handle the SCAR’s performance without compromise.
7. Are there night vision options?
Yes—digital scopes like the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro integrate beautifully with the SCAR for day/night versatility.
Conclusion
Finding the best scope for FN SCAR comes down to matching optic capabilities with your mission profile. For me, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24 stood out as the perfect all-around performer—tough, clear, and battle-ready. For long-range precision, the Leupold Mark 5HD reigns supreme, while the Primary Arms SLX 1-10x28 offers unbeatable value. Whatever your choice, pairing the SCAR with a capable optic transforms it from a great rifle into a precision powerhouse.
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