There’s no doubt that the AR-10 rifle is among the best out there, but have you stopped to consider that it might be improved and customized to suit your exact needs just by adding a tactical scope?
If you haven’t, we have a couple of recommendations on why you should consider it. If you have, and you’re unsure how you should follow up on that idea, we also have some advice on picking out the best AR-10 optics available.
How a Tactical Scope Is Beneficial
There isn’t a modern shooting scenario where you wouldn’t benefit from quality optics, and the market research supports this claim. Good optics make your shooting more streamlined, aiming quicker, and your life easier. By eliminating the need to align the front and rear sight, it’s much easier for you to keep your eye on the target and react faster when it comes to the time for shooting.
What Kinds of Scopes Should You Be Looking at
There are essentially two ways you can go about when it comes to tactical scopes – magnified optics and RDS (Red Dot Sight). There’s no better among them, just what fits your needs better and which one you feel more comfortable with. In the case you’re not sure, we’ve outlined the advantages of both that you can use to guide your thought process.
Magnified Optic
When we mention the magnified optics that are the best fit for an AR-10 rifle, we’ll be referring to LPVO’s or low-power variable optics. That’s because they are amazingly versatile and can hold up in both close-quarters and at mid-range. They usually employ a pretty standard crosshair when it comes to the reticle or aiming point.
The only disadvantage is that the higher quality ones can cost a pretty penny and tend to be a little bulkier than your standard scope. As long as you invest in a magnified optic that’s truly high quality, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Red Dot Sights
If you’re a close-quarters type of shooter, there simply isn’t any competition when it comes to RDS optics. They are simply unapproachable when it comes to tracking the target and keeping your focus on it. They also offer a significant increase in your acquisition speed, which can be the most crucial factor in certain situations.
Quality red dot sights can even hold up over increased distances, up to 150 yards, and experienced shooters can take that even further. The only downside they might have is that if the battery runs out, you’re practically left without a scope, but that’s been practically resolved with modern RDS scopes having battery life that’s measured in years.
The Criteria That Can Help You Choose the Right Scope
Based on those dedicated roles for different scopes, we also have a couple of criteria that you can consider when choosing the best scope.
Depending on these, you might lean towards one or another, but always remember never to get the cheaper scope just because it’s cheaper. A good scope of any kind will be pricey, but it will make all the difference in your aim and precision.
Distance
Just because the AR 10 wasn’t intended to be used at long distances doesn’t mean you can’t do it with good enough optics. The heavier caliber allows the bullet to travel further, and if you have the equipment to back it up, you can make shots from significant distances.
That’s especially beneficial to hunters, as they have the potential to make a good, heavy shot even from over 200 yards away, and that has no price.
Speed
For aiming swiftly, and all things close-quarters related, the RDS scope is your best friend. It’s unparalleled at short distances, and it very much holds its own at medium ranges. You can’t go wrong with a good red dot scope, as it lets you react much more quickly and allows you to keep moving at full alert.
Size / Weight
Weight added to your rifle is a significant thing to factor into your decision. Just carrying a heavy rifle can be exhausting, not to talk about actually keeping it mounted on your shoulder. From this standpoint, you should know that RDS scopes tend to be lighter and smaller than telescopes, and if that’s something that will affect your choice, it’s worth considering.
In Conclusion
To wrap it up, the most important thing you need to think about and define is what is your primary intention with this rifle. Once you have that crystal clear, it’s easy to pick out a good scope as there are loads of them currently on the market.
