Best Scope For Scar 17 – 2025 Top 4 Optics Reviews

gbThe SCAR 17 doesn’t behave like most .308 rifles. Its gas-piston system and reciprocating charging handle create a unique set of demands that eliminate half the scopes on the market before you even start looking. I found this out when I mounted a mid-range tactical scope I’d used successfully on AR-10s and watched it fail to hold zero after 200 rounds. The SCAR’s heavy bolt carrier and aluminum upper generate vibrations that scopes built for gentler platforms simply can’t handle.

What this rifle needs is specific: an optic tough enough to survive its mechanical violence, light enough not to turn an 8-pound battle rifle into a boat anchor, and versatile enough to work from contact distance out to 600 yards. After testing four very different scopes across multiple range sessions—burning through roughly 600 rounds of Federal Premium 168gr Sierra MatchKing—the SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-8x24mm proved itself as the scope that actually understands what the SCAR 17 is: a hard-hitting carbine that does its best work inside 400 yards, not a precision rifle cosplaying as a DMR.

My Top 4 Picks for the Scar 17

Why You Can Trust My Recommendations

I learned about the SCAR’s appetite for destroying optics the expensive way. Back in my Bass Pro days, I sold a customer a SCAR 17 with what I thought was a solid mid-tier scope—same one I’d recommended dozens of times for AR-10 builds. Three weeks later he’s back in the store, scope won’t hold zero, asking what went wrong. That was my introduction to understanding that not all .308 platforms are created equal.

Since founding ScopesReviews in 2017, I’ve made it my business to understand these platform-specific quirks. I’ve tested over 200 rifle scopes in 15+ years of shooting, earned my NRA Range Safety Officer and Certified Firearms Instructor certifications, and spent five years in Bass Pro’s firearms department learning what actually breaks versus what just gets returned because someone bought the wrong tool for the job. My SCAR 17 testing happened across four months at a private range outside Dallas, mixing rapid strings with precision work, because that’s how this rifle actually gets used—not just punching paper at 100 yards. When I tell you a scope survives or fails on this platform, it’s because I watched it happen.

Side-by-Side Specs

Numbers tell part of the story with the SCAR 17—weight matters when you’re lugging an 8-pound battle rifle, and eye relief becomes critical with .308 recoil. But what the spec sheet won’t show you is whether a scope can survive the SCAR’s unique mechanical violence or if its magnification range actually matches how you’ll use this rifle.

---

The 4 Best Scopes for SCAR 17

---

1. SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-8x24mm – Best Overall

I didn’t expect a scope at this price point to survive the SCAR 17’s abuse and actually excel at what this rifle does. The Tango-MSR proved itself during rapid transition drills where I’d start at 50 yards on steel, then flip the throw lever and engage targets at 300. That kind of versatility is exactly what the SCAR demands, and most scopes either give you close-range speed or distance precision—not both.

The BDC Actually Matched My Drops

I’m usually skeptical of BDC reticles because they’re calibrated for generic loads that rarely match what you’re actually shooting. The MSR BDC8 surprised me. At the range, I verified the holdover marks with Federal 168gr MatchKing out to 500 yards. The 300-yard hash put rounds within two inches of my aim point without touching the turrets. That’s close enough for government work on a battle rifle. The horseshoe at the center gave me fast acquisition when running close-range drills—I could pick it up instantly at 1x, which mattered when I was transitioning between multiple close targets.

The illumination has eleven settings, and I actually used most of them depending on conditions. Bright Texas sun required cranking it to the higher settings to see the dot against light-colored steel. Early morning hog hunting worked better with settings three or four—bright enough to find quickly but not so hot it washed out in the scope. The second focal plane design kept the reticle a consistent size through the magnification range, which I preferred when the FFP scopes in this test had reticles that either disappeared at low power or blocked targets at high magnification.

Handles Like It Belongs There

The SCAR 17 already weighs eight pounds empty, and I’ve made the mistake of mounting scopes that turned it into a boat anchor. The Tango-MSR kept the rifle feeling like a carbine. During a particularly long range session where I ran through multiple drills, the balance difference compared to the heavier scopes in this test became obvious. My arms weren’t as tired, and the rifle came up to shoulder more naturally. The integrated throw lever made magnification changes smooth enough that I actually used the scope’s full range instead of parking it at one setting and leaving it there.

The glass quality competed with scopes I’ve tested at twice this price. Looking through it at 8x, I could clearly identify which steel targets had fresh paint and which were pitted from years of use at 400 yards. Edge-to-edge sharpness stayed consistent, and I never saw the purple fringing around high-contrast edges that cheaper LPVOs show.

Turrets Return to Zero Reliably

After zeroing, returning to the 0 index under the cap was straightforward and reliable; this model does not have a mechanical zero‑stop. I tested this repeatedly—dial up for a 400‑yard target, shoot, then spin the turret back down to the 0 index. Every time, the zero was still there. The capped turrets protected the adjustments from getting bumped during transport, which matters when the rifle lives in a truck during hog season.

Fixed parallax didn’t matter

The fixed parallax concerned me before testing, but it never caused problems at any distance I shot. I verified this specifically by moving my head around behind the scope while aimed at a 300-yard target—I observed no meaningful shift in point of aim. For a battle rifle scope working primarily inside 400 yards, the fixed parallax at 100 yards proved practical.

Survived What Kills Weaker Scopes

The SCAR 17’s reciprocating charging handle and violent gas system has destroyed scopes I thought were tough. I’ve watched a mid-range tactical scope lose zero after 100 rounds on this platform. The Tango-MSR held zero through roughly 150 rounds of testing without shifting. I verified zero before and after each range session—the scope stayed locked where I set it. The included Alpha-MSR mount is a legitimate cantilever mount, not the cheap accessories some manufacturers throw in the box. The lay-flat flip covers stayed out of the way when open and protected the glass when closed.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Zero Retention (150 rounds)	Held zero perfectly
BDC Accuracy at 300 yards	Within 2 inches of point of aim
Close-Range Acquisition (25 yards)	0.8 seconds to first shot at 1x
Glass Clarity at 8x (400 yards)	Clear target identification
Illumination Battery Life	200+ hours on medium settings

Tested on: SCAR 17 | Federal Premium 168gr Sierra MatchKing

Pros and Cons

PROS Magnification range handles everything from contact distance to mid-range precision Weight keeps the SCAR balanced and maneuverable through long sessions MSR BDC8 matched my actual drops with Federal 168gr loads Survived SCAR’s violent system without zero shift through 150 rounds Includes quality mount and lens covers at accessible price

CONS Fixed parallax may bother precision shooters working past 400 yards BDC only calibrated accurately at full 8x magnification Smaller objective gathers less light than hunting scopes at dawn/dusk Half-MOA clicks less precise for fine zero adjustments

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Tango-MSR wins because it understood the assignment. This rifle isn’t a precision gun or a CQB specialist—it hits hard from contact distance out to 400 yards. That’s exactly what this scope does best.

---

2. Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10×56 – Best for Hunting & General Purpose

During a November evening hog hunt, I stayed in the stand 25 minutes longer than I could with the SIG scope. That’s when I understood what Trijicon’s massive objective lens actually delivers. The hogs finally showed up in that last ten minutes of usable light, and the amber tritium dot was still glowing faintly in the center of the crosshair. I made the shot at 175 yards—quartering away, behind the shoulder—and watched the hog drop through glass that still showed me exactly what I needed to see.

Battery-Free Means One Less Failure Point

The fiber optic and tritium illumination system works better in practice than it sounds on paper. During morning sessions, the fiber optic gathered enough ambient light to keep the dot visible without being distracting. As conditions got brighter, the dot brightened automatically—I never touched a brightness adjustment. When I tested it in thick brush at dusk, the tritium took over and provided just enough glow to find the aiming point without washing out my view of the target. I’ve dealt with too many dead batteries at the wrong moment to take battery-powered illumination for granted anymore.

That Big Objective Comes With Trade-Offs

The scope added noticeable weight to the SCAR 17. After a full day running drills with this mounted versus the lighter SIG, I felt the difference in my arms and shoulders. The rifle still balanced fine, but it wasn’t as quick to maneuver. For hunting where you’re mostly sitting or taking deliberate shots, the weight penalty is worth what you gain in low-light capability. For tactical applications where you’re moving fast, the lighter scopes make more sense.

The mil-dot reticle is simple and uncluttered. The dots work for holdovers if you know your drops, and the illuminated center dot makes aiming point obvious even in complicated brush. I’m not ranging targets with the reticle, so the second focal plane limitation didn’t affect how I used this scope. Point the dot, press the trigger.

Eye Relief Changes, You Adapt

At lower magnifications, I had plenty of room behind the scope—.308 recoil never concerned me. Cranking to 10x tightened things up enough that I paid more attention to my cheek weld. I caught scope shadow a few times when I wasn’t consistent with head position at full magnification. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it requires more awareness than scopes with consistent eye relief through the magnification range.

Trijicon Build Quality Showed Through

Through roughly 140 rounds on the SCAR 17, the TR22 held zero without complaint. The capped turrets felt positive and deliberate—each click was distinct enough that I never wondered whether I’d actually made an adjustment. I verified zero before and after every range session. The scope stayed locked where I set it.

What the TR22 lacks is a zero stop, which stood out because every other scope in this test includes one. I marked my turret with a paint pen at zero so I could return without counting clicks. For a hunting scope where you’re mostly holding over rather than dialing, this matters less than it would on a tactical scope where you’re constantly adjusting.

Premium Glass You Can See

When I lined up the Trijicon and the other scopes side-by-side on the same target, the glass difference was obvious. Edge-to-edge clarity stayed sharp without the distortion cheaper scopes show at the periphery. Colors looked natural—the browns and greens of brush rendered accurately, which mattered when trying to distinguish a hog from the vegetation it was standing in. Looking at the same steel target at 400 yards through all four scopes, the Trijicon showed the clearest, sharpest image.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Low-Light Target Identification	Usable 25 minutes past SIG scope
Zero Retention (140 rounds)	No shift observed
Tritium Visibility at Full Dark	Clearly visible, not distracting
Glass Clarity Comparison	Best edge-to-edge sharpness in test
Hog Shot at Dusk (175 yards)	Clean kill, clear sight picture throughout

Tested on: SCAR 17 | Federal Premium 168gr Sierra MatchKing

Pros and Cons

PROS Extended hunting time at dawn and dusk when game is most active Battery-free illumination never fails and adjusts automatically to conditions Premium glass quality delivered best image clarity in the test Generous eye relief at low power safe for .308 recoil Zero retention proved reliable through SCAR testing

CONS No zero stop requires marking turret or counting clicks to return Eye relief tightens at full magnification requiring careful positioning Added weight noticeably affects rifle handling during movement Premium pricing puts it at twice the cost of budget options

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

If you hunt with your SCAR 17 and those last 20 minutes of shooting light matter, the TR22 AccuPoint extends your effective hunting time. It costs more than the tactical options, but it earned that premium through glass quality and battery-free reliability when hogs showed up at dusk.

Wanna shoot even during the night? Check which are the best thermal scopes.

---

3. Vortex Venom 3-15×44 – Best Mid-Range Tactical

I spent an afternoon shooting steel at distances from 200 to 550 yards with the Venom, and it delivered exactly what I needed for that work. The first focal plane EBR-7C reticle stayed properly scaled through the entire magnification range, which meant I could use holdovers at any power setting. At 3x, the reticle was fine enough not to block the target but still visible enough for quick shots. Cranked to 15x for a 500-yard plate, the hash marks were appropriately sized for precise holdovers.

First Focal Plane Without the Usual Compromise

The hourglass EBR-7C design gives me wind holds and elevation corrections without cluttering the center of the reticle. I could still see what I was aiming at, which matters when you’re trying to center a reticle on an eight-inch steel plate at 400 yards. The exposed elevation turret let me dial for distance when I wanted to, and the RevStop system brought me back to zero reliably. I tested this repeatedly—dial up for a 450-yard target, shoot, then spin the turret back down until I felt the stop. Every time, zero was still there.

The capped windage turret is practical for a scope that’s primarily dialing elevation. I’m not making constant windage corrections, so having it protected made more sense than leaving both turrets exposed to get bumped.

You Feel the Weight After a Few Hours

The SCAR 17 felt noticeably heavier with the Venom mounted compared to the SIG. After a full day at the range running through various drills, I understood why lightweight matters on this platform. My arms were more tired, and the rifle didn’t come to shoulder as naturally by the end of the session. For pure bench shooting or slow, deliberate field work, the weight is manageable. For anything requiring movement or speed, lighter scopes handle better on the SCAR.

Glass Quality Competed Well

Looking through the Venom at steel targets from 300 to 550 yards, image clarity stayed sharp enough to identify targets clearly at 15x. I didn’t see the purple fringing around high-contrast edges that cheaper scopes show. The ArmorTek coating on the exterior lenses shrugged off the dirt and fingerprints that accumulated during testing. When comparing it side-by-side with the Trijicon on the same target, the Trijicon showed slightly better edge clarity, but the Venom wasn’t far behind.

The parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity gave me control the fixed-parallax scopes lacked. For precision work past 300 yards, being able to dial out parallax error mattered. I verified this by intentionally leaving parallax misadjusted at 400 yards—moving my head behind the scope showed the crosshair shifting on target. Dialing the parallax correctly eliminated that movement.

No Illumination Showed at Dusk

During a late afternoon session that stretched into dusk, the black reticle started disappearing against dark backgrounds as light faded. The Trijicon’s tritium dot was still glowing clearly at the same time. For daylight range work, the lack of illumination doesn’t matter. For hunting at dawn or dusk, it’s a limitation worth considering.

Tracking Verified, Durability Adequate

I verified turret accuracy against a grid at 100 yards. Dialing 2 MRAD moved point of impact 7.2 inches, which is correct. Through roughly 135 rounds on the SCAR 17, the Venom held zero without shift. The scope survived the SCAR’s violent reciprocating system, though I’d classify this as adequate durability rather than exceptional like the Trijicon’s military-grade construction. The included throw lever made magnification changes fast, and I used it constantly when transitioning between different distance targets.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Turret Tracking Verification	Accurate to 0.1 MRAD specifications
Zero Retention (135 rounds)	Held zero throughout testing
Target Clarity at 15x (500 yards)	Clear identification of 8-inch steel
RevStop Repeatability	Returned to zero consistently
Low-Light Performance	Adequate daylight, limited without illumination

Tested on: SCAR 17 | Federal Premium 168gr Sierra MatchKing

Pros and Cons

PROS First focal plane reticle stayed usable and accurate at all magnifications tested Generous elevation adjustment handled extended shooting without running out of travel RevStop Zero System brought me back to zero reliably after dialing for distance Glass clarity competed well with premium scopes at similar distances Parallax adjustment eliminated aiming errors at precision distances

CONS Weight noticeably affected rifle handling during movement and extended sessions Starting at 3x eliminated any close-range capability under 75 yards No illuminated reticle disappeared against dark backgrounds at dusk Costs more than SIG while delivering similar overall field performance

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Venom earned its place by delivering first focal plane capability and reliable adjustment without premium pricing. If your SCAR work lives between 200 and 600 yards, this scope handles that mission despite the weight penalty.

---

4. Athlon Argos BTR Gen 3 6-24×50 – Best for Long-Range Work

I mounted the Argos on the SCAR 17 knowing full well this magnification range misses what the rifle does best. But if you’re committed to pushing a 16-inch .308 carbine out past 500 yards consistently, this scope gives you the tools to make that work. I spent an afternoon shooting from 400 to 650 yards, and the 24x top-end magnification let me see impacts clearly and make corrections that lower-power scopes wouldn’t have shown me.

Starting at 6x Eliminates Close Work

The first time I tried to engage a 100-yard target at the minimum 6x magnification, the limitation was obvious. The narrow field of view and higher magnification made close-range target acquisition slow compared to the 1x or 3x starting points of the other scopes. I ran a simple drill—start from low ready, acquire target, shoot—and my times were consistently slower with the Argos. This scope assumes you’re shooting from stable positions at known distances, not running dynamic drills or clearing buildings. If your SCAR work involves anything under 200 yards regularly, this magnification range fights you.

But at Distance, It Delivered

At 550 yards on a ten-inch steel plate, cranking to 18x let me see my impacts clearly and adjust for wind. The APRS11 reticle with hash marks every 0.5 MIL gave me precise holdover points, and being first focal plane meant those measurements stayed accurate at any magnification. I used the wind holds when a crosswind picked up—the reticle design showed me exactly where to hold without guessing. The illumination with eleven brightness settings kept the reticle visible against varied backgrounds, though I mostly left it off during daylight shooting.

The exposed turrets with zero stop worked as advertised. I’d dial up for a distant target, shoot, then spin back to zero by feel. The Precision True Zero Stop caught reliably every time. The redesigned Gen 3 turrets had positive, tactile clicks—I could feel and hear each 0.1 MIL adjustment clearly.

Weight Became an Issue

At over 30 ounces, the Argos is the heaviest scope I tested on the SCAR 17. Combined with the rifle’s weight, this setup felt more like a precision rifle than a carbine. After several hours of shooting from prone and various supported positions, the weight was manageable. But when I transitioned to shooting offhand or from awkward positions, the front-heavy balance became obvious. This isn’t a scope for a rifle you’ll carry far or shoot unsupported often.

Glass Clarity Held Up at High Magnification

At 24x magnification, image clarity stayed sharp enough to see bullet holes in paper at 200 yards. The fully multi-coated lenses delivered good contrast and brightness. I didn’t see the image degradation or mirage issues that cheaper high-magnification scopes show when cranked to full power. The parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity worked smoothly, and properly adjusting parallax at each distance eliminated aiming errors.

The tight eye relief became noticeable when shooting. I had to be more careful about head position than with the other scopes tested. Get your head slightly wrong and you’d catch scope shadow. With .308 recoil, that tight eye relief meant staying aware of where your face was relative to the scope.

Features for the Price

Through roughly 180 rounds of testing, the Argos held zero and tracked accurately. I verified tracking on a grid—dialing 3 MIL moved point of impact the correct distance. The zero stop returned me to zero consistently. For an accessible price point, Athlon packed this scope with features that typically cost more—exposed turrets with zero stop, first focal plane reticle, illumination, and quality glass. The Gen 3 improvements to the turrets and magnification ring showed in how the scope handled.

The problem isn’t that the Argos fails at what it does—it’s that what it does doesn’t match what the SCAR 17 does best. If you’ve decided to turn your SCAR into a precision platform for long-range work and you’re okay sacrificing close-range capability, the Argos delivers the magnification and features to make that work.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Target Identification at 24x (650 yards)	Clear impact visibility on 10-inch steel
Zero Retention (180 rounds)	Held zero throughout testing
Turret Tracking Verification	Accurate to 0.1 MIL per click
Close-Range Acquisition (100 yards, 6x)	Noticeably slower than lower-mag scopes
Wind Hold Accuracy at 550 yards	APRS11 reticle provided precise corrections

Tested on: SCAR 17 | Federal Premium 168gr Sierra MatchKing

Pros and Cons

PROS 24x top-end magnification provided clear target identification at extended ranges APRS11 FFP reticle with 0.5 MIL hash marks enabled precise holdovers and wind calls Exposed turrets with zero stop worked reliably through testing Feature-rich at accessible price point—FFP, illumination, zero stop typically cost more Gen 3 turrets delivered positive, tactile clicks for confident adjustments Glass clarity held up well even at maximum magnification

CONS 6x minimum magnification eliminates any practical close-range capability Over 30 oz weight made rifle front-heavy and tiring during extended use Tight eye relief required careful head positioning to avoid scope shadow Magnification range poorly matched to SCAR 17’s typical 0-400 yard mission Narrow field of view at 6x slowed target acquisition compared to lower-mag options

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Argos BTR Gen 3 is a capable long-range scope at an attractive price. If you’re specifically building the SCAR 17 for precision work past 500 yards and you’re willing to sacrifice everything else, this scope delivers the magnification and features to make that happen. Just understand you’re turning a battle rifle into something it wasn’t designed to be.

You can also have a look at my guide showing the best long range scopes for ar10 where the Athlon also features.

---

How I Actually Tested These Scopes

All four scopes went through testing on my SCAR 17 at a private range outside Dallas across four months—late summer through fall. I burned through approximately 600 rounds of Federal Premium 168gr Sierra MatchKing for this evaluation. That’s the same ammunition I used for all four scopes, which kept the testing consistent and let me compare performance directly.

Testing covered the distances where the SCAR 17 actually works: close-range steel at 50 yards, standard zeroing and verification at 100 yards, mid-range work from 200-400 yards, and pushes out to 650 yards to see where each scope maxed out. I confirmed zero for each scope before and after every range session, then ran drills that matched how this rifle gets used—rapid transitions between close and distant targets, shooting from various positions and support, and extended strings to see if zero held under the SCAR’s violent reciprocating system.

I tested scopes beyond these four that didn’t make the cut. A Pinty 3-9×40 developed turret sticking issues where adjustments wouldn’t register until after several rounds of recoil jarred the erector tube loose. A CVLIFE 6-24×50 lost zero repeatedly after heavy recoil strings—the budget internals couldn’t handle the SCAR’s violent gas system and kept shifting point of impact. A Nikon Prostaff showed significant chromatic aberration that made precision work at distance frustrating. Each failure taught me something about what the SCAR demands from an optic.

Weather during testing ranged from brutal Texas heat in August to cooler October mornings. I deliberately took scopes out in less-than-ideal conditions—shooting in bright sun to test glare resistance, working at dusk to evaluate low-light performance, and one particularly humid morning that tested fog-proofing claims. The SCAR stayed consistent throughout, which made scope-to-scope comparisons legitimate.

Get more information on how I test optics here.

---

What Shooters Get Wrong About SCAR 17 Scopes

Buying for the Rifle They Wish They Had

The most common mistake I see is mounting a 6-24x scope on a SCAR 17 because it looks tactical or matches what precision rifle shooters use. The SCAR isn’t a precision rifle—it’s a 16-inch gas-piston battle rifle that delivers its best performance inside 400 yards. That massive magnification range eliminates the close-quarters capability that makes the SCAR versatile. I watched this play out during testing when the Argos struggled at the distances where the SIG excelled.

Ignoring the Reciprocating Charging Handle

The SCAR’s reciprocating charging handle sits right where you mount your scope, and it beats the hell out of optics that aren’t built tough enough. Shooters mount scopes they’ve used successfully on AR-10s, then wonder why zero shifts after 150 rounds. The SCAR’s heavy bolt carrier and aluminum upper create vibrations that gentler platforms don’t produce. That’s why I specifically tested durability—scopes that survive bolt guns or gas-impingement rifles don’t automatically survive the SCAR.

Treating Eye Relief Like It Doesn’t Matter

With .308 recoil and the SCAR’s stock design, inadequate eye relief becomes a real problem fast. I’ve seen shooters mount scopes with barely three inches of eye relief, then complain about getting hit in the face during recoil. The SCAR isn’t gentle, and positioning yourself too close to the scope because the eye relief is tight means you’re one bad trigger press away from a scope kiss. Test eye relief thoroughly before committing to a scope on this platform.

---

Your Questions Answered

Will a 1-6x LPVO give me enough magnification for the SCAR 17?

Probably not. While 6x works fine for a 5.56 rifle, the SCAR 17’s capability extends further than that top-end allows. I found 8x to be the practical minimum for taking advantage of .308’s reach. At 400 yards, 6x leaves you squinting at targets where 8-10x lets you see what you’re actually hitting. Consider 1-8x or 1-10x if you want true low-power versatility with adequate distance capability.

Do I need an illuminated reticle on a SCAR 17 scope?

Depends entirely on how you use the rifle. For range work in daylight, you’ll never miss it. For hunting at dawn and dusk when hogs and deer move most, illumination extends your effective shooting time significantly. Battery-free options like Trijicon’s tritium system eliminate the dead-battery problem. If you’re building a general-purpose rifle, get illumination. If it’s purely a range gun, save the money.

Can I use a traditional hunting scope with capped turrets on the SCAR?

Absolutely, and for many shooters that’s the right choice. If you’re zeroing at 200 yards and holding over for everything else, capped turrets keep your settings protected from accidental bumps. The Trijicon I tested had capped turrets and worked great for hunting applications. Only go with exposed turrets if you’re actually dialing for distance regularly—otherwise you’re adding complexity you don’t need.

---

Which Scope for Your Shooting Style?

If you run your SCAR 17 the way FN designed it—fast transitions from close to mid-range, working from 0-400 yards regularly, mixing precision with speed—the SIG Tango-MSR is your scope. That 1-8x range covers everything this rifle does well without forcing compromises. You get true 1x for close work and enough top-end for responsible shots at distance. The weight keeps the rifle balanced, and the MSR BDC8 reticle matches .308 trajectories well enough that you’re holding over instead of dialing.

For hunting applications where you’re glassing at dawn and dusk, taking deliberate shots from stable positions, and need glass that works in terrible light, spend the extra money on the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint. That massive objective and battery-free illumination extended my effective hunting time by 20-25 minutes each end of the day. The premium you pay covers glass quality that cheaper scopes can’t match and reliability that matters when a hog finally shows up at last light.

Precision shooters working 300-600 yards regularly from supported positions will appreciate what the Vortex Venom delivers. The first focal plane EBR-7C reticle and exposed elevation turret give you the tools for dialing and holding at distance. The weight penalty is real, but if you’re shooting from a bench or bipod anyway, the extra mass doesn’t matter as much. This scope works when you’ve committed to stretching the SCAR’s capabilities deliberately rather than using it as an all-around carbine.

---

Disclosure

I purchased all four scopes tested in this guide with my own money for the specific purpose of evaluating them on the SCAR 17 platform. No manufacturers provided product, requested reviews, or influenced the testing process. The links in this guide include affiliate codes that may generate small commissions if you make a purchase, but these relationships don’t affect my testing methodology or conclusions. I recommend what actually worked during testing, not what generates revenue.

---

Final Thoughts

After four months of testing and 600 rounds through the SCAR 17 with these four scopes, the winner came down to understanding what this rifle actually is. The SIG Tango-MSR took top honors because it matched the SCAR’s mission profile instead of trying to turn it into something else. That 1-8x magnification range covers close quarters to mid-range precision without compromise. The weight keeps the rifle handling like a carbine. The MSR BDC8 reticle worked with my actual ammunition drops. Most importantly, it survived the SCAR’s mechanical violence without the zero shifts that killed weaker scopes.

The Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint earned its place through premium glass and low-light capability that hunting demands. If you’re using the SCAR for game where dawn and dusk matter, that extra 20 minutes of usable light justifies the premium price. The Vortex Venom delivered first focal plane capability for mid-range tactical work, while the Athlon proved you can get legitimate long-range features at an accessible price—even if that magnification range misses what the SCAR does best.

Scope selection matters because the wrong optic limits what your rifle can do. I’ve watched shooters mount 6-24x scopes on SCARs and wonder why close-range work became impossible. I’ve seen budget scopes lose zero after 100 rounds on this platform. The SCAR 17 demands specific things from an optic—durability to survive its violent system, magnification that matches its 0-400 yard sweet spot, and features that enhance rather than complicate its mission. Choose accordingly.

If you own a cheaper rifle you may want to check my guide on the best scopes for 17 hmr.