Skip to content
Magnification: 5-25xObjective Lens: 56mmTube: 34mmReticle: FFP VPR MILTurrets: 0.1 MILExceptional clarity at high magnificationAccurate tracking with zero stopRobust buildHeavy for huntingOverkill for close-range
Magnification: 1-8xObjective: 28mmTube: 34mmReticle: FFPFast acquisition at 1xBright illuminationVersatile zoomSlight edge distortion at 1xHeavier than some LPVOs
Magnification: 1-6xTube: 30mmReticle: SFPLightweightClear glassEasy handlingLimited long-range capabilitySFP reticle limitations
Magnification: 4-16xObjective: 50mmReticle: FFPVersatile zoomGood trackingSolid buildSlightly bulkyIllumination could be brighter
Magnification: 2-12xObjective: 42mmReticle: FFPWide zoom rangeClear glassLightweightTurrets slightly stiffIllumination average
Magnification: 3-9xObjective: 40mmReticle: SFP BDCAffordableLightweightLifetime warrantyBasic featuresNot ideal for long-range
More
Share
Explore
6 Best Scope For Browning Bar Shorttrac: Expert Picks for Precision and Reliability
Finding the Best Scope For Browning Bar Shorttrac requires balancing durability, clarity, and fast target acquisition.
This semi-automatic hunting rifle is known for its reliability and quick follow-up shots, so pairing it with the right optic is critical. I’ve tested multiple scopes on platforms like a .308 Winchester BAR ShortTrac using 150gr and 168gr loads, focusing on real-world hunting scenarios from 50 to 400 yards.
In this guide, I break down six top-performing scopes that complement the rifle’s strengths—whether you're hunting deer in dense woods or taking longer shots across open terrain.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Browning Bar Shorttrac
Arken Optics EP5 5-25X56 Rifle Scope FFP
This is a high-magnification scope built for precision shooting. I mounted it on a .308 BAR ShortTrac using a 20 MOA rail and 34mm rings, primarily for range testing out to 600 yards.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is impressive with minimal chromatic aberration. Edge-to-edge sharpness holds even at 20x+. The FFP reticle is ideal for long-range corrections.
Eye relief sits around 3.5 inches and remains consistent, though the eye box tightens at max zoom. Durability is excellent—I ran 300 rounds and retained zero perfectly.
Turrets are tactile and precise. My box test confirmed accurate tracking. Magnification is excessive for hunting but great for range work.
Mounting required a solid base due to weight. Once installed, stability was excellent.
From my experience, zeroing took 6 shots at 100 yards. It held zero after extended shooting sessions.
Online, users praise tracking and glass quality, though many note the weight.
Verdict: Best for precision shooters pushing the BAR beyond typical hunting distances.
Arken Optics EP8 1-8x28 LPVO First Focal Plane Riflescope
This LPVO is perfect for fast shooting scenarios. I tested it on a .308 BAR with 150gr ammo in wooded terrain.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is good, especially mid-range. The FFP reticle works well for holdovers.
Eye relief is forgiving, making quick shots easy. The eye box remains usable across zoom levels.
Durability is solid; it handled rain and recoil without issues.
Turrets are capped but reliable. Not designed for constant dialing.
Magnification range is perfect for 0–300 yards.
Mounting was straightforward with a one-piece mount.
I zeroed in 5 rounds. It held zero after 200 rounds.
Users online highlight its versatility and illumination.
Verdict: Ideal for hunters needing speed and flexibility.
Arken Optics LH-6 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane LPVO
A lightweight LPVO designed for hunting efficiency.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Clarity is excellent for its class. The SFP reticle is simple and effective.
Eye relief is generous, making it comfortable during long hunts.
Durability is reliable; it handled recoil well.
Turrets are capped and simple.
Magnification suits typical hunting ranges.
Mounting is easy due to lighter weight.
I zeroed quickly and maintained accuracy.
Users appreciate its simplicity and value.
Verdict: Best lightweight option for hunters.
Arken Optics SH4 GEN2 4-16X50 Rifle Scope FFP
A balanced scope for hunting and range shooting.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is strong with minimal distortion.
Eye relief is consistent and comfortable.
Durability is excellent; it handled 400 rounds.
Turrets are precise with good feedback.
Magnification range is ideal for 100–400 yards.
Mounting required medium-height rings.
My experience was smooth, with quick zeroing.
Online users praise its value.
Verdict: Best all-around scope for mixed use.
Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42 Rifle Scope
A mid-range scope with excellent versatility.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is impressive for the price.
Eye relief is forgiving.
Durability is solid under hunting conditions.
Turrets are accurate but not the smoothest.
Magnification fits most hunting needs.
Mounting was straightforward.
I achieved zero in 4 shots.
Users like its balance of features.
Verdict: Great mid-range hunting scope.
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
A classic hunting scope known for reliability.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass clarity is decent for the price.
Eye relief is generous and safe.
Durability is excellent with Vortex warranty.
Turrets are simple and capped.
Magnification suits typical hunting.
Mounting is easy.
I zeroed in 5 rounds.
Users consistently praise its reliability.
Verdict: Best budget option.
How to Choose the Right Scope for This Pistol
Choosing the right optic for a Browning BAR ShortTrac requires understanding how the rifle performs in real hunting conditions. First, consider magnification. Most hunting scenarios with this rifle fall between 50 and 300 yards, so a 1-6x, 2-12x, or 3-9x scope is typically ideal. High magnification scopes like 5-25x are only useful if you plan to shoot at extended distances.
Next, think about focal plane. First focal plane (FFP) scopes allow accurate holdovers at any magnification, which is useful for precision shooting. However, second focal plane (SFP) scopes are simpler and often better for hunting due to their consistent reticle size.
Weight is another major factor. The BAR ShortTrac is already a semi-auto rifle, so adding a heavy scope can affect balance. I recommend staying under 25 ounces for hunting setups.
Durability is critical. You want a scope that can handle recoil and harsh weather. Look for nitrogen-purged, waterproof, and shockproof designs.
Eye relief and eye box matter for safety and speed. A forgiving eye box helps with quick follow-up shots, which is where the BAR excels.
Finally, consider turret style. For hunting, capped turrets are better to prevent accidental adjustments.
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a Browning BAR ShortTrac?
Most hunters benefit from 1-6x to 3-9x ranges for versatility.
2. Is FFP or SFP better for hunting?
SFP is simpler and often better for hunting, while FFP is better for precision.
3. Can I use a long-range scope on this rifle?
Yes, but it may add unnecessary weight unless shooting beyond 400 yards.
4. What scope weight is ideal?
Under 25 ounces is ideal for maintaining balance.
5. Does the BAR require special mounts?
No, standard bases and rings work, but ensure proper fit and torque.
Conclusion
Choosing the Best Scope For Browning Bar Shorttrac ultimately depends on your hunting style and shooting distance. For most hunters, lightweight LPVOs or mid-range scopes offer the best balance. If you’re pushing distances, a high-magnification option like the EP5 makes sense. Personally, I prefer versatile scopes like the SH4 GEN2 or Helos BTR GEN2 for real-world hunting. No matter your choice, pairing the right optic with this rifle will significantly improve your accuracy and confidence in the field.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ··· in the right corner or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.