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The SCAR 17 is one of the most popular semiautomatic rifles in civilian hands, and it comes from the famous Belgian Fabrique Nationale (FN) combat rifle. Combine the SCAR17 with a well-made and durable optic and you have the ability to place a hard-hitting shot at much greater distances.
Let’s get right to it and find the best scope for your SCAR 17 and your particular needs!
Short on time? Our Picks for the Best Scar 17 Optics
- Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x
- Vortex Viper PST gen II 5-25X50 FFP
- Athlon Midas BTR 4.5-27×50
- Athlon Cronus BTR GEN2 4.5-29×56
- UUQ 4-16x Tactical Rifle Scope
- Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50
- EOTECH Vudu Precision 3.5-18×50
What We Will Cover
- SCAR 17
- Scopes and the SCAR 17
- Best Scar 17 Optics – New Products Updated
- 1 Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II
- 2 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x Rifle Scope
- 3 Vortex Viper PST gen II 5-25X50 FFP Rifle Scope
- 4 Athlon Midas BTR 4.5-27×50 APLR1 SFP IR MIL Rifle Scope
- 5 Athlon Cronus BTR GEN2 4.5-29×56 APRS1 FFP IR MIL UHD Rifle Scope
- 6 UUQ 4-16x Tactical Rifle Scope
- 7 Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50 Rifle Scope
- 8 EOTECH Vudu Precision 3.5-18×50 Rifle Scope
- Final Thoughts
SCAR 17
In the original military version, this modular assault rifle platform is a gas-operated, selective fire weapon chambered in several common calibers.
The FN SCAR-L (light) is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO caliber and the FN SCAR-H (heavy) chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO caliber. There are also versions developed for immense popular 6.5 Creedmoor and a legendary Soviet 7.62×39 mm round.
As a modern multi-caliber assault rifle, the FN SCAR is adopted by the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and by more than 20 countries worldwide.
Depending on the caliber, barrel length, and different accessories, the FN SCAR provides operators an effective range of 800m with excellent accuracy.
Since the weapons based on military designs have always been popular among civilians, the FN SCAR family includes two semiautomatic versions, called SCAR 17S(Heavy) and SCAR 16S(Light).
While the FN SCAR 16S is chambered in almost recoil-free 5.56x45mm that makes it fast-handling and quick shooting semi-auto carbine, the SCAR 17S in 7.62x51mm is a real powerhouse of a rifle, designed to provide long-range accuracy and downrange power.
Whether you are setting up for close-range defense, competition in 3 Gun, precision long-range 800 yards shots, or something like hog hunting, the FN SCAR 17S will be the perfect partner for any of these applications.
Scopes and the SCAR 17
The classic phrase “one size fits all” does not apply to some guns because not all scopes are equal on all rifles. However, as an extremely versatile rifle with many uses, SCAR 17S can be mounted with almost any type of scope.
But you have to consider a few things when it comes to scopes for the SCAR 17. Compared to SCAR 16, recoil is more brutal, so you will need a durable optic with glasses that will stand up to that abuse and solid mounting hardware rated for the .308.
Depending on the range you will use, the SCAR will need an appropriate scope with optimal magnification power. Shooting at targets over 600 yards with the Scar 17 requires minimum 3-9x zoom power, and you’ll probably want something between a 10 – 15X magnification.
If you plan on competition shooting, hunting in heavy cover, or using it as a self-defense weapon for close-range shots, then the reflex sights or low-powered variable optic (LPVO) might be more appropriate.
Since it seems that LPVOs with a magnification range in the neighborhood of 1-6x or 1-8x are all the rage these days, in this overview, I’ll propose to you my best choice for the SCAR 17.
Best Scar 17 Optics – New Products Updated
1 Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II
Vortex Optics is one of the leading manufacturers of rifle scopes and sights for good reason, and the Razor HD Gen II is no exception.
The Scar 17 is one of the best options you can choose because of the apochromatic lens that immediately corrects visual aberrations (imperfections or defects) that can be caused when bright light enters an optical lens. Because of this, you get a near instantaneously perfect image when looking through the lens. When compared to similar models, it’s simply unmatched.
If that’s not enough of a reason to choose the Vortex Razor HD Gen II, I’ve got more for you.
The 1-6x zoom makes it easy to zero-in on targets up to 500 yards away, making it perfect for both short and medium-range shots for home defense, hunting, or recreational shooting. It also has an illuminated red dot that is easy to see in bright conditions.
The only downside to this scope that may not be a downside to you is the scope’s weight. It’s slightly heavier than most comparable models, weighing in at 21.5 ounces (1.35 pounds); however, it is more durable than the competition, as well. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof.
When choosing the best optic for the Scar 17, it’s hard to beat the Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II.
2 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x Rifle Scope
Another 1-8x optics designed as dual-use scope for hunting and tactical shooting comes from the Vortex Strike Eagle line. However, one of the most affordable tactical rifle scopes on our list, the redesigned Strike Eagle 1-8×24 equipped with a BDC3 reticle, contributes to the versatility and quick-handling AR.
This Vortex 1-8×24 riflescope offers a true one-power on the low end of its 8x zoom range for fast target acquisition on short-range shots, whereas the 8x zoom allows shooters to engage targets out to 600 yards.
The illuminated, glass-etched BDC3 reticle is set in the second focal plane (SFP), allowing the shooter rapid sight acquisition and providing holdover and ranging references from 0 to 650 yards.
Besides standard extra-low dispersion (XD) glass elements and fully multi-coated lenses, this updated scope comes with a thread-in throw lever, which allows the shooter to go from a 1x on the low end to an 8x magnification quickly.
Constructed from a single-piece 30mm tube of aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope features waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof housing designed for reliable performance in all environments.
3 Vortex Viper PST gen II 5-25X50 FFP Rifle Scope
For those people who want to get the upper hand in multiple situations ranging from close quarters to long-range shots, the Vortex Optics delivers in the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm.
As your SCAR 17 in 7.62mm offers the ability for long range shooting, it deserves scopes with only the best components such as the XD Lens Elements and a fine, glass-etched Christmas tree style reticle.
Placed in the first focal plane, the illuminated reticle features 10 intensity levels, and Vortex offers it in an MRAD and an MOA version with matching MOA/MRAD turrets. In the 5256 model, the illuminated EBR-7C reticle offers MOA based subtension lines and floating wind hold dots fоr optimal viewing, ranging, and windage corrections.
Tactical-style turrets have a fiber optic Radius Bar, which visually helps you track turret rotations. These exposed turrets provide maximum elevation and windage adjustment of 70 and 35 MOA, respectively, with adjustment graduation of 1/4 MOA.
All PST G2 lenses are fully multi-coated and come with a proprietary XR anti-reflective coating and an additional ultra-hard coating named ArmorTek. While the XR provides more light-transmission and even better contrast in low light conditions, later coating keeps outer lenses resistant to scratches, oil, and dirt.
The scope body is based on a 30mm main aluminum single tube, argon-filled and O-ring sealed to prevent internal fogging and moisture and dust entering.
4 Athlon Midas BTR 4.5-27×50 APLR1 SFP IR MIL Rifle Scope
Although a relatively new company in the optics industry, Athlon Optics has already released the second Generation of their mid-level family of scopes called Midas.
The Midas BTR 4.5-27x50mm is a simple, effective and rugged rifle scope designed explicitly for competition shooting and hunting alike.
In fact, the illuminated APLR1 reticle is purpose-made for precision long-distance shooting since its hash marks will help you to quickly determine distance, holdover positions, and windage corrections.
It comes with graduated hash marks in MIL increments providing you hold over points for both bullet drop and wind compensation.
Along with short-range distances, this 6x magnification ratio scope with a second focal plane reticle will enable you to shoot at the far end of the 7.62x51mm cartridge realistic capability using elevation holdovers.
Midas BTR 4.5-27×50 is equipped with exposed tactical-style turrets featuring adjustments in 1/10 MIL increments.
This Midas BTR 4.5-27×50 features high-definition (HD) glass with fully multi-coated lenses and new “Xtra Protective Lens” coating that protects your lenses from moisture, and dirt.
Like other Athlon Midas optics, this specific model is machined out of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with argon purged interior to prevent any internal fogging.
The 30mm diameter single-piece main tube allows for a large amount of windage and elevation travel of 18 MILs.
5 Athlon Cronus BTR GEN2 4.5-29×56 APRS1 FFP IR MIL UHD Rifle Scope
Cronus BTR is the newest and the most refined Athlon series of rifle scopes, and the Cronus BTR (Bright Tactical Reticle) 4.5-29×56 model is their titan in long-range precision, very similar to Vortex Razor except for the price.
Introduced in 2019, the Cronus 4.5-29x comes with standard features set like HD glass, locking turrets, and an etched reticle in the first focal plane (FFP).
The illuminated APRS1 is specifically developed for quick target engagement at close ranges and precise holdover positions with finer details for distance targets.
As earlier said, the versatile 6X magnification ratio is best for tactical applications, 3-gun competition, or long-range hunting, making this Athlon perfect SCAR 17 scope and almost a universal product for a large part of gun enthusiasts.
The extremely clear UHD extra-low dispersion glass features a proprietary and ˝AFMC˝ (Advanced Fully Multi-Coated) lens coatings on inner lenses to deliver bright images.
Additionally, the innovative new XPL (Xtra Protective Lens) coated lenses guard your lenses from moisture, oil, dirt and smudges.
Typically for this scope type, the Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29×56 boasts a clean look assisted with exposed tactical turrets.
The turrets have a click value of 0.1 MIL, and due to the large 34mm main tube, this scope gives you a total elevation adjustment of 32 MIL, more than you’ll ever need.
The scope has aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum construction while the internal mechanism is argon-gas-purged and O-ring sealed for water and fogproof performance.
6 UUQ 4-16x Tactical Rifle Scope
The UUQ 4-16x tactical rifle scope has three major components: the scope, the holographic red dot sight, and the green laser. For around $100, you get three features in one scope.
Let’s start with the scope first.
The scope has a magnification range of 4x to 16x which makes it ideal for long-range shots. It also gives you a comfortable eye relief between 3” and 5”.
Located on the scope are the windage and elevation turrets that are easy to grip. Each click adjusts ¼ MOA per click.
You can also adjust the reticle style, color, and brightness levels using the corresponding knobs located on the scope, which brings us to the holographic red dot sight.
The holographic red dot sight has four different reticle styles you can choose from, and you can choose to change the color from red to green. Five different illumination settings adjust the brightness of the red or green reticle.
Finally, the green laser attached to the scope can reach between 300 and 500 meters. When you don’t want to use the laser, just turn it off using the convenient button located on the scope.
If you’re on a budget, the UUQ 4-16x tactical rifle scope is a great scope to mount on your Scar 17.
7 Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50 Rifle Scope
Another top-tier European scope on our list comes from the legendary Zeiss Sports Optics company. It belongs to the Zeiss Conquest V6 series and delivers incredibly high image quality and clarity, followed by the slim, rugged, and dependable overall design.
This sophisticated optical package features Flouride (FL) lenses and Schott HT glass coated with Zeiss T* (T star) six-layer multi-coatings as well as a LotuTec protective lens coating.
The Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50 delivers a 30x maximum magnification, which, combined with a wide field of view, guarantees flexibility for the hunters who demand versatility and superior long-range capability.
From this Zeiss series, I prefer the Conquest V6 5-30×50 with graduated finger-adjustable BT turrets, and an illuminated Plex-Style Zeiss #6 reticle w/ BDC. While this 2nd Focal Plane reticle is ideal for mid to long-range shooting, it features an intelligent motion sensor that operates illumination of the red dot which is a nice feature.
The Zeiss Conquest V6 5-30×50 is based on a 30mm main tube, constructed of aircraft-grade black, matt anodized aluminum for ultimate durability.
8 EOTECH Vudu Precision 3.5-18×50 Rifle Scope
The EOTech Vudu Precision 3.5-18×50 with its 5 times zoom gives you a decent high-end magnification, allowing you to shoot at distance, yet wind it down to just x3.5 for close-in work.
The 3.5-18×50 Vudu Precision scope from EOTECH is an award-winning optic that packs a lot of features into a robust single-piece, 34mm main tube.
This superior optic product from EOTech uses extremely bright, XC High-Density low-dispersion glass with quality anti-reflection lens coating.
Except for its crisp and bright sight picture, the Vudu 3.5-18x main selling point is an illuminated EOTech MD2-MOA reticle in the first focal plane. The glass-etched, MD2 reticle (Model VDU3-18FFMD2) has four medium-long posts with milling illuminated crosshairs.
The EOTech Vudu Precision 3.5-18×50 comes with capped finger adjustable turrets graduated in 1/10 MRAD or 0.25 MOA increments for windage and elevation adjustments.
As a perfect solution for short to medium-range applications, Vudu 3.5-18x is equipped with a detachable low-profile zoom lever (Throw Down PCL Lever) for quick shuffling between zoom levels.
This compact (14.8in) but somewhat heavy (33.5oz) scope boasts an aircraft-grade aluminum construction that provides water, fog, and shock-resistant housing.
Final Thoughts
As a modular system that offers a wide variety of configurations, SCAR 17 is a perfect solution for short to medium range engagements. I’ve suggested my choice of low power variable optics (LPVO) and some more powerful variable optics, but of course, such a versatile weapon is highly customizable and can be equipped with many other sighting systems.
While you have a myriad of choices, you have to narrow down your selection based on your shooting needs and decide which of these elite scopes would work best for you.
