Looking for the best Vortex AR-10 Scope? You are in the right place. This post sheds light on the Vortex AR-10 scopes available today.
Vortex is one of the leading brands in the optics industry and is known for its high-quality scopes. These scopes speak for themselves regarding durability, optical clarity, and reliability. Besides, Vortex scopes are known to offer top-performing features at a price that is easy on the wallet.
Whether you are purchasing your first AR-10 scope or you need a newer model to add to your collection, narrowing your options to Vortex is a great start. However, finding the right scope for needs can be overwhelming given the plethora of Vortex scopes available.
What is the Range of the AR10?
What is a Good Scope for an AR-10 Rifle?
A good scope for the AR-10 rifle should have a balance between magnification and field of view since the AR-10 is used for different shooting scenarios,close-quarters engagements, medium-range target shooting, and long-range precision shooting. With that in mind, a variable scope magnification, such as 1-6x, 2-10x, or 4-16x is best for this rifle.
Optical clarity and quality are key in defining the best scope for the AR-10. Clear and sharp glass, combined with fully multi-coated lenses, guarantees optimal light transmission and exceptional image quality.
The reticle choice is also very important in enhancing the scope’s effectiveness. A versatile reticle design, whether it’s a simple duplex, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation), or a mil-dot reticle, empowers the shooter to make rapid and accurate adjustments for holdovers and windage corrections.
For those seeking heightened precision, scopes equipped with a first focal plane (FFP) reticle ensure that subtensions remain consistent at all magnification levels, invaluable for accurate ranging and holdovers.
Durability and ruggedness are non-negotiable attributes for the best AR-10 scope. The scope must feature robust construction, including durable housing and reliable turret adjustments. Anodized aluminum or high-strength materials ensure shockproof and recoil-resistant performance, safeguarding the scope’s zero even under heavy use.
Waterproofing and fog proofing, achieved through o-ring seals and nitrogen or argon purging, further solidify the scope’s resilience, ensuring clear optics even in inclement conditions.
Best Vortex AR-10 Scopes
1) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope tops this best Vortex AR-10 Scope list. The scope is ideal for long-range shooting with the AR-10. It offers the highest levels of performance and dependability to ensure you optimize your firearm fully.
Built with a fully multi-coated lens and XD lens elements, the optic yields crisp, clear, and color-accurate sight pictures from sunrise to dusk. It has a fast-focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a snap and a precision-glide erector system that ensures great tracking and repeatability.
Another feature that sets it apart is its robust construction. It has a 30mm main tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum. Additionally, it is shockproof to stand up to any abuse, and with the hard anodized finish, the scope stays rust-proof and scratch resistant. It also has capped reset turrets to prevent accidental adjustment and for added protection from bumps.
To top it all, this scope is fully waterproof and fog proof so you can use it in any environment.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- 30mm main tube diameter
- XR fully multi-coated lens
- Second focal plane Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Water, fog, and shockproof construction
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Capped reset turrets
- Precision-glide erector system
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight design
- Good light transmission
- Great value for the price
- Clear optics
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex StrikeFire II Scope w/ 4 MOA Dot
The StrikeFire II Scope w/ 4 MOA Dot is your ideal optic if you are after rapid target acquisition. It offers unlimited eye relief that aids in rapid target acquisition and a massive field of view, allowing for shooting with both eyes open. This is your Best Vortex AR-10 Scope if you are looking for a red dot scope.
Though compact, the red dot sight is built to be virtually indestructible. It has an aluminum alloy chassis that is tough enough to handle anything nature throws at it. It is also shockproof and resistant to high recoil for greater durability.
With a mere weight of 7.2 oz, the scope is ultra-light and easy to use. Furthermore, the optics are fully multi-coated to offer a clear field of view, and the 4 MOA dot reticle provides a precise point of aim even at extended ranges.
Above all, the red dot is operable in rain, fog, snow, mist, and a wide range of temperatures from -22 to 140℉.
Features
- Crisp clear 4 MOA dot
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax free
- Aluminum alloy chassis
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof design
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm tube diameter
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick and simple setup
- Lightweight and compact design
- Budget-friendly
- Great glass quality
Cons
- Fixed magnification
3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Next up is the Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope. This model is an advancement of the original crossfire rifle scope. Unlike its predecessor, it offers more brightness, accuracy, and dependability to meet the needs and demands of the hunting and shooting enthusiasts out there.
The scope features a variable 3-9x zoom, allowing you to take shots from close to medium ranges. The large 50mm aperture maximizes low-light performance, while the fully multi-coated lenses deliver excellent image brightness and contrast from dawn to dusk.
In terms of construction, the scope has a single-piece 1-inch tube built from aircraft-grade aluminum. The robust housing adds strength, durability, and accuracy even under unforgiving conditions. Besides, the windage and elevation adjustments turrets are capped for extra resilience to impact, and they also have a quick reset-to-zero function.
The Crossfire II rifle scope is also waterproof, dustproof, and fog resistant to be reliable on your most demanding hunts.
Features
- 3-9x magnification range
- Second focal plane reticle
- 1-inch main tube
- Hard anodized finish
- Capped turrets with quick reset-to-zero function
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Rugged and reliable construction
- Superb low-light performance
- Lightweight
- Comfortable eye relief
- Hard Anodized Finish
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Regarding versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. In virtually any situation, you can use it for tactical shooting and hunting applications.
The scope is built to offer unmatched durability. It has ruggedized aircraft-grade aluminum housing with a hard anodized finish that keeps it scratch and rust-proof. It is also shockproof for greater durability and fully waterproof and fog proof as well.
More importantly, the scope is built with ease of use in mind. It has an intuitive and user-friendly design that is easy to operate, even for beginners. On top of that, it boasts a large field of view for easy target identification and generous eye relief for comfortable shooting with or without eyeglasses.
The scope brings XD lens elements and XR fully multi-coated optics, providing bright, clear, and sharp image views under virtually any environment.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- XD lens elements
- 1-6x magnification
- Built-in accuracy features
- Second focal plane reticle
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- Precision-glide erector system
- 30mm tube
- Water, fog, and shockproof
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Great eye relief
- Quality glass
- Versatility
- Capped turrets
Cons
- None
5) Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list is the Diamondback Tactical 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope. Adding this high-quality scope to your AR-10 will help you push this versatile rifle to its full potential.
The scope is built to offer excellent image brightness and clarity in nearly any lighting condition. This is thanks to the large 40mm objective lens that enhances low-light performance and the fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion lenses allowing superb light transmission.
Furthermore, the scope features exposed turrets that allow for quick and simpler adjustments without changing your hunting position. The 1-inch main tube is built with aircraft-quality aluminum, offering greater strength and durability without adding unnecessary weight. It is also waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for all-weather reliability.
Other convenient features included are a hard anodized finish, a glass-etched reticle, a fast-focus eyepiece, and a magnification rib.
Features
- Exposed tactical-style turrets
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof design
- XD lens elements
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- Precision-glide erector system
Pros
- Solid construction
- Cost-effective
- Accommodating eye relief
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
6) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope, the best Vortex AR-10 Scope if you are looking for an LPVO. This versatile 30mm tube scope has a variable 1-8x magnification power suitable for taking down targets at close to long ranges. It offers incredible precision at every range and high-quality image views as well.
The scope is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It is built with extra-low dispersion glass that yields enhanced resolution and color accuracy in any environment. It also boasts an illuminated second focal plane reticle that aids in rapid target acquisition, especially in low-light settings.
Another great thing about the scope is the tough construction. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to optimize strength and rigidity. On top of that, it has a glass-etched reticle that offers greater durability and reliability and a shockproof design to stand up to any abuse that comes its way.
In addition to everything else, the scope is fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog-resistant for protection in any environment.
Features
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- IPX-7 water-resistant and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lens
- XD lens elements
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 30mm body tube
- 1-8x magnification range
- Matte anodized finish
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Lightweight design
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Good price
- Ideal for users with poor or older eyesight
Cons
- None
Related
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Vortex AR-10 Scope
Magnification
Vortex scopes are available in a wide range of magnification ranges to meet the different needs of every user out there. Your ideal magnification will largely depend on your hunting/shooting distance and your individual needs.
Go for a fixed power scope if you shoot at constant ranges. On the other hand, get a scope with a variable zoom power if you want to have the flexibility to take shots at varying ranges.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens is the other important factor to consider after magnification. If the scope has a vast magnification, it should have a large objective lens to ensure bright image views.
But scopes with extra-large objective lenses are not always the best. They are heavy, bulky to carry around, and more expensive. A tip is to get a scope whose objective lens is between 40mm to 50mm to get the most value.
Reticle
Vortex scope employs different reticle patterns. Your ideal reticle largely depends on your skills and preference. For a beginner, you need a reticle that is easy to use. As a seasoned hunter, you can get a more complex reticle model to suit your needs.
Another thing you should consider is whether or not the reticle is illuminated. If you propose using the scope in low-light conditions, it is best to get an illuminated reticle.
Weight
A heavy scope will be cumbersome to carry in the field. It will also add unnecessary weight to your AR-10 and interfere with shooting accuracy. To avoid all these, look for a scope that is as light as possible. It will not just be easy to carry but simpler to mount and use.
Price
Lastly, you should consider the cost of the scope. Vortex is renowned for its high-quality yet affordable optics, but the pricing is different from one scope to the other.
Some high-end models cost thousands, if not hundreds, of dollars. If money is no object, such scopes offer the greatest value for money in the long run. On the other hand, plenty of budget scopes are designed with budget buyers in mind.
Put your finances in order, and then look for the model that matches your needs and budget.
Vortex AR-10 Scope FAQs
1) Are Vortex scopes good quality?
Absolutely. Vortex scopes are hard to beat regarding ruggedness, reliability, and quality. Whether the scope is an entry-level mode, a high-end scope or anything in between, you can rest assured that you are getting a product that offers the best value in all aspects.
2) Is Vortex better than Leupold?
It depends. Vortex has the price advantage, while Leupold is better in quality. Leupold has been on the market for longer than Vortex, but both brands have outstanding reputations.
3) What does the HS stand for in Vortex?
Hunting and Shooting. This means that the scope is built to be used in the hunting field and shooting range.
Conclusion
We are very confident that this guide has given you some insight into Vortex AR-10 scopes. Though these scopes come from the same manufacturer, each is unique in its own way. Look at each unit’s features and go for one that matches your needs in the best way possible.
See Also