Scar-17 optics--what have we come to? [Archive]

The Dumb Gun Collector

12-16-12, 09:18

Barry in IN

12-16-12, 16:36

If you go by some forums, you need a 10X at the very minimum (preferably a 15X), that's as long as the barrel to "take advantage of the SCAR's accuracy".

I put a 1-4X Trijicon TR24G on mine.

I see one of the SCAR's better features, if not the best, is it's light weight. I don't quite get the plan of turning it into a 10 to 12 pound, top-heavy, .30 caliber prairie dog rifle. But I'm in the minority, so maybe I'm missing something.

The TR24 isn't the lightest scope, but it's lighter than many I see in use on them and has been plenty for me so far. The farthest I've shot mine is 500 yards and it was sufficient. This was at 10" round steel plates. Of course this was on a bright clear day, but I don't anticipate shooting any target much smaller than that.

A friend has the Elcan and I looked at it before I bought my SCAR. It is nice, and fairly compact, but as I recall it weighed nearly two pounds. A 1X/4X scope that weighs a quarter of the rifle weight was hard for me to accept as the best idea, but maybe it is.

ryr8828

12-16-12, 16:51

I prefer my 1-4x.

I'd get a 1-6x if I could make myself spend the money.

Alaskapopo

12-16-12, 17:06

What is the best all around optics setup for the Scar-17 these days?

1. Elcan? Where do you find the newer version that is Scar proof?

2. Nightforce? Is it true that they no longer make the preferred model?

3. Acog?

4. Something better?

I am running a Nightforce 2.5-10 with a off set Aimpoint R1. But I think the SCAR would be better served with a 1-6 or 1-8 scope and I plan on adding one to my SCAR when funds allow.
Pat

darr3239

12-16-12, 17:50

I'm no sniper, but with the Colt 901 we have, we felt 10x on the high end should be the minimum, since it's a 308. I was originally thinking of 1-4x or 1-6x, but my son will be using the gun for hunting and wanted a higher power.

When thinking it over, the 901 has a 16" barrel, almost duplicating the Scar 17 barrel, which makes it other than a full sniper rifle in size, and it is a true carbine. Also, I wasn't willing to use a higher power scope, since most of those add quite a bit of weight, to an rifle that already weighs enough.

The Nightforce 2.5-10 compact was my first choice. Cost was a factor though, and when I eventually purchase a Nightforce it will go on a distance dedicated gun, and may well end up being the only high priced scope I'll have.

For the slightly shorter range 901, I found a like new Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 for $449. It is about the same weight and length as the Nightforce compact, has an illuminated reticle, and a type of zero stop, at one third the cost. I feel this scope has a decent amount of quality, and will serve well on this particular gun. The 2/3 savings will by more reloading components and shooting time!

Failure2Stop

12-16-12, 17:56

As I'm reading it, the question is not so much what fits the capability of the gun so much as what isn't breaking on them.
I have yet to hear a first person account about an Aimpoint, Leupold 1.1-8/1-6, or a NF 2.5-10 breaking on one, maybe someone that has had an issue personally can chime in on what to avoid. The biggest issues seem to be with EoTechs.

Typos brought to you via Tapatalk and autocorrect.

Winnerkd

12-16-12, 18:19

After recently purchasing a SCAR 17S, I too am in the same boat as you Mr. Bell. I'm hoping SWFA releases their 1-6x option sometime before I retire. That said, the Mark 6 with a TMR or CMR-W looks impressive from where I'm sitting!

Kchen986

12-16-12, 18:55

I went with a TR24. I wanted something I could use upclose, while exploiting the 7.62 cartridge and the weapon's ~2MOA accuracy. About 200 rds down the pipe and I think I made the right choice. I do not expect to shoot this weapon outside of the 300M envelope.

FlyingHunter

12-16-12, 19:40

Been very pleased running my Leupold VX-6 red dot on my SCAR 17. Lightweight, bright daylight dot, good glass, decent price, very good battery life thus far. While some feel the reticle design is lacking, my longest shots are 300 yds, so the German #4 reticle I use works great. What would I change? Keep the price the same, around $900 and make it a 1-10x without increasing the weight...ok, that's probably unrealistic.
Lot's of good choices out there. Good luck with your decision.

SOW_0331

12-16-12, 19:46

Anyone have any luck with the Accupoint 2.5-10x? They seem, by design, like something that would hold up well...

Magic_Salad0892

12-17-12, 02:52

I'd think either a 1-6 optic, or a 3X ACOG.

Alaskapopo

12-17-12, 04:01

Anyone have any luck with the Accupoint 2.5-10x? They seem, by design, like something that would hold up well...

Kind of big for what the Scar is and no good reticles for them.
Pat

Dano5326

12-17-12, 04:08

I don't see this as a SCAR Q, but as an optic Q. What should I have on my lightweight 7.62 16". I personally see no use for the 1-whateverX variable optics as I use an offset micro-T anyway.

The only 1-8x I thought the red dot was worth a crap was the S&B and it's not commercially available.

For what's on the market now, I would consider the NF 2.5-10X LV reticule.

If I could snap my fingers, and engineers could immediately cough it up, I'd have a lightweight FFP 4-12x variable, 11" long, less than 20oz. And, still use a micro-T or other standalone secondary 1x red dot. This combo would essentially be able to exploit the full range of a 7.62 carbine.

nickdrak

12-17-12, 07:33

A Swaro Z6i seems to be about as perfect a fit as is currently available.

The Dumb Gun Collector

12-17-12, 11:59

is it durable enough?

QuickStrike

12-19-12, 04:45

I'm still saving my pesos til tax returns. Likely a 1-4x S&B. Or maybe ill cheap out and just get an aimpoint for it like the M3.

Not sure I'd want an M4 with its big ass AA battery bouncing back and fourth on an optic killer like the SCAR. I could be wrong though...

Alaskapopo

12-19-12, 04:53

is it durable enough?

Time will tell but these scopes were originally built for big game shorter range rifles.
pat

JG1911

12-19-12, 13:01

I have a S&B Short-Dot in a American Defense AD-Delta-30mm, I'm really pleased. I did notice the weight after mounting it, but I'm a little guy.

FWIW: I had to optic laying around, so it was a no brainier.

The Dumb Gun Collector

12-19-12, 18:21

That is a pretty awesome optic there.

nickdrak

12-19-12, 18:41

The only thing that concernsme about the Z6i is the top mounted illumination lever. Looks like it can be damaged rather easily if dropped.

armakraut

12-19-12, 21:54

Who can afford to run optics on that thing? Run irons and thank Crom he granted you a half weight BAR. J/K

TA33 ain't a bad option if you want some BDC, illumination, and light weight under $900.

Hootiewho

12-20-12, 22:53

I have a TA11 on my currently and I am pretty happy with it. I ran a good buddy's 1/4x Elcan Spectre & it was extremely nice. I like the concept and the size, just worry about the durability over the long haul. I'm also hesitant about the Elcan bouncing around in the cruiser, but that worry is probably unwarranted.

RHINOWSO

12-22-12, 17:21

IOR Valdata 1.5-8x in ADM mount. It's about perfect for me. Works fine up close and I like a little extra mag in general. Heavy but super clear glass and built like a tank.

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx113/rhinowso/FN%20SCAR/673F8BFB-C6D0-4690-882B-0A3C965FDAD2-19543-000005166F508A20.jpg

I have KAC offsets but honestly while I don't dislike them, at 1.5x they aren't needed.

Fox33

06-11-13, 00:18

I am currently running a Viper PST HDII in the same ADM mount. I really like the ADM and variable power scopes on this gun. I did try the SOPMOD eotech and about cut my pinky off. The T1 is nice but good luck shooting 400m with it. I did look at the MK8 from Leupold and decided I didnt want a second mortgage.

Turnkey11

06-11-13, 16:12

I used a US Optics SN-4 1.5-6x DFP, until I sold my SCAR 17s. With the rings I used it put the optic inline with the iron sights, which was good for cheek weld but could not be used to co witness of course due to the magnification. It was very quick with or without the illumination (most of the time I left it off) out to 200m on my property and I was able to consistently hit cooperative prairie dogs out to 400 at 6x with reloads. magnification ring moved smooth as butter, very easy to turn and easy to grasp due to the large surface area; if I ever buy another SCAR 17s Ill probably buy the same optic again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/Guns/08.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/Guns/DSC02108.jpg

I will say this about the USO SN-4, check the mount before you buy, I wanted to use the MK20 SSR mount but I came up short, hence the decision to use the Seekins rings...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/nf9648/Guns/WP_0001092.jpg

marZ1

06-11-13, 16:59

Ta11J on mine. Fast and easy.

opngrnd

06-16-13, 06:55

Is the Aimpoint PRO durable enough as a CCO type optic?

DiabhailGadhar

06-21-13, 10:22

Reading this thread made me wonder...if I was going to shoot a course of fire through my 17 to check the optics/mount reliability what would you all recommend? A fast cadence of fire, longevity? Draggin it behind my truck down a gravel road? (That's not happening for the record) At what point have I run the optic, mount, rifle through its paces enough to call the combination good?
Just for background the rifle is just being used as an expensive target rifle but once I get the accuracy dialed in the pace of fire is sure to increase and I might use it for occasional pig hunting.

The reason I ask is I was just going to drop my aimpoint pro on my scar but my brother had an el cheapo Primary Arms 1-4x24 laying around and said I could have it. So I scored a used Larue SPR mount, leveled and red loc-tited the optic in.

UCPOPO

06-22-13, 10:23

I'm running a Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4x20 scope on the SCAR 17 and I really like it.

shootist~

06-22-13, 11:57

The power level is more what floats your particular boat. I've had a USO 1.5-6 on mine, but after moving the NF 2.5-10x32 to the SCAR I'll never go back. The NF just seems perfect for my uses, but I shoot more at 200-500+ than at 100 and under.

The type of mount seems to make more of a difference for the SCAR-17 than it does for and AR, IMO. I saw a noticeable accuracy improvement after remounting the NF in an ADM Delta mount. 1.1 MOA at 200 & 300 Meters (5 shots) is not unusual with my plain-jane 150 gr Hornady reloads.

RHINOWSO

06-22-13, 15:13

Is the Aimpoint PRO durable enough as a CCO type optic?

Yes, it will be fine it you might benefit from a ADM mount instead of the supplied mount.

Vash1023

06-22-13, 18:19

Who can afford to run optics on that thing? Run irons and thank Crom he granted you a half weight BAR. J/K

TA33 ain't a bad option if you want some BDC, illumination, and light weight under $900.

that was ****ing hilarious........... :)

1911-A1

06-23-13, 14:17

I just put my Burris MTAC 1-4x in a LaRue mount back on it. I'm going to see if I get any zero shift. I have a few mags through it with no problem, but I'm going to try a longer test this time.

leadpoisonr

06-24-13, 17:37

So far its the ACOG for mine

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/leadpoisonr/scar1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v478/leadpoisonr/scar2.jpg

blusheepdog

06-25-13, 02:56

I prefer my 1-4x.

I'd get a 1-6x if I could make myself spend the money.

My thought's exactly sir.

RubiScar

07-01-13, 23:31

Elcan 1.5-6, it would be even sweeter if it went to 8. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/VelociRaptor350/002-19.jpg

CageFighter

07-22-13, 23:38

i have an FDE Elcan 1-4x on my 17S, wouldnt change it for the world.

TxPiKapp

10-23-13, 23:59

I started out with the TA11J-308G on my SCAR 17S but have since moved on to the Elcan SpecterDR and love it.. but since i bought my FDE SCAR 17S, my Black 17S with Black Elcan has got to go to make room for my FDE version..

Labayu

02-16-14, 00:42

PatrioticDisorder

02-16-14, 09:28

My Vortex 1-6x24 is still in one piece at the 2200 round mark. I thought it would crap out after all of the horror stories but I thought that with a lifetime warranty I could test drive it on the 17S and if it cheesed out I could put the replacement Vortex would send me on one of my ARs and not be out any money or loss of utility.

The horror stories of SCAR 17s "eating" optics seem to be greatly exaggerated, mostly cheap optics and flimsy mount combos. Buy a quality optic and a quality mount (preferably ADM Delta) and I wouldn't even give it another thought. What I don't understand is why anyone would put a cheap optic on a 2.5-3k rifle to begin with, it just doesn't make any sense.

1911-A1

02-16-14, 10:04

I've narrowed my search down to the Vortex Razor HDII 1-6x24. It seems to be a great combination of magnification, durability/clarity and price.

I opted to put the $300 Burris 1-4x back on my SR15 and go with a more durable optic on my SCAR17.

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