SCAR 17 Optic Decision

[zekers7]

Trying to decide on an optic for my 17. Toss up between a Leupold Mark 5HD 3-18x H59 or a Nightforce NX8 1-8x. I do love how insanely bright the NX8 is illuminated. It almost hurts on max brightness/can truly be used as a 1x dot

I like the concept of the NX8 as its light and is a good match for the scar but i already have a Razor HD 1-6x on my SR15. Its used as a DMR style rifle on steel out to 500. Havent tested accuracy of my particular scar yet but will be doing so shortly

 

[beenjammin]

Look at the weight of both and go with the lighter of the two. I like the nx8

 

[Crang]

After a lot of experimenting decided lighter was better. An NXS 2.5-10x42 with an offset RMR and careful mount selection can get you in at about 26ozs total with 1-10 capability. Even lighter if you dont need an easily removable mount for the scope.

 

[CuriousChuck]

I went with a Scar 17 and Trijicon Accupower 1-8x28 and I enjoy it for the DMR set-up. I wouldn't put a high magnification optic on the Scar, reason being is I have found the mechanical accuracy of the rifle is ~1.6 MOA. If you want to push out your distance go ahead and get that Leupold on it. FWIW I am looking into the S&W performance center 6.5 because I want an accurate semi-auto rifle. When I get a 1 MOA semi-auto I'll put something higher magnification on it.

 

[clark33]

Are you dead set on a variable power optic? What about the 1-6 elcan or fixed 6x ACOG? I had a 3.5x ACOG on mine and it was surprisingly easy to make hits out to 400-500yds.

I never tested a variable power scope on mine but heard (as im sure you have) that they are hell on optics lol!

 

[alpine44]

I went with a Scar 17 and Trijicon Accupower 1-8x28 and I enjoy it for the DMR set-up. I wouldn't put a high magnification optic on the Scar, reason being is I have found the mechanical accuracy of the rifle is ~1.6 MOA. If you want to push out your distance go ahead and get that Leupold on it. FWIW I am looking into the S&W performance center 6.5 because I want an accurate semi-auto rifle. When I get a 1 MOA semi-auto I'll put something higher magnification on it.

My SCAR17 (since sold) would shoot better than 1.6 MOA even with the cheap M80 FMJs.

With 168gr SMK and IMR4064 the average group size of loads from 42.0 to 43.2 grains in .3 grain increments was 1.09 MOA. Best groups were towards the high end with several .6-ish MOA groups around 43.2 grains for about 2600 fps. All seated in Lapua cases to 2.800 COAL with a light factory crimp.

Do not waste your powder and time with heavier bullets as the barrel twist is relatively slow. I also found that the SCAR17 does not shoot that well in free recoil. It works much better when held firmly and torqued between support hand and firing hand like a subgun.

I used a 14x scope for the load development and testing. Trigger work was done by myself, but now Geissele offers a great trigger for the SCAR.

 

[Ajaylswo]

Trying to decide on an optic for my 17. Toss up between a Leupold Mark 5HD 3-18x H59 or a Nightforce NX8 1-8x. I do love how insanely bright the NX8 is illuminated. It almost hurts on max brightness/can truly be used as a 1x dot

I like the concept of the NX8 as its light and is a good match for the scar but i already have a Razor HD 1-6x on my SR15. Its used as a DMR style rifle on steel out to 500. Havent tested accuracy of my particular scar yet but will be doing so shortly

I have a black Scar 17 and just put a MK5HD with Trevor 3 illuminated on it, awesome setup. The illumination is not bright at all so it cannot be used as a red dot.
Have not had a chance to shoot it yet.

 

[Lostin89]

I'm currently in this same situation (if I keep the scar).

Right now I have a razor 5-20 but am taking a peek at the bushnell LRTS 3-12....don't know squat about bushy optics tho.

 

[The DFC]

I'm currently in this same situation (if I keep the scar).

Right now I have a razor 5-20 but am taking a peek at the bushnell LRTS 3-12....don't know squat about bushy optics tho.

Cameraland is practically giving the non-illuminated version away:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

Bushnell Elite Tactical line is a complete departure from anything they've ever done. I have the 1-8.5-actually 2-and they're really nice-great glass. I am also tempted to explore the line further myself.

 

[Lostin89]

Cameraland is practically giving the non-illuminated version away:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

Bushnell Elite Tactical line is a complete departure from anything they've ever done. I have the 1-8.5-actually 2-and they're really nice-great glass. I am also tempted to explore the line further myself.

Man I'm literally about to order one....$599.99 with free shipping and no tax???? Count me in, it'll be a worthwhile experiment amd hopefully it holds up on my scar.

 

[The DFC]

Man I'm literally about to order one....$599.99 with free shipping and no tax???? Count me in, it'll be a worthwhile experiment amd hopefully it holds up on my scar.

Lifetime warranty. You will add your 8th shade of brown (if it's brown) to your SCAR

 

[ScarlettRed]

I'd try the new vortex 1-10 if you can wait for its release. I bought a 3-18 mark 5 and it seemed ridiculously heavy and clunky on my 17. It now sits on a scar 20s and almost feels underpowered. Not the greatest scope when fully dialed up. I was shooting 1350y last weekend and would like a better scope at that range. That of course is really pushing the limits of a 20" 308. Maybe look at the new kahles 1-8. Really depends on ranges you'll shoot and target size.

 

[Lostin89]

Lifetime warranty. You will add your 8th shade of brown (if it's brown) to your SCAR

Aha it is! Gotta get as many colors as possible right? The way I looked at it was if I don't like it in the scar, I've got an FBI A3M sitting naked in the safe it would work great on.

 

[Ajaylswo]

I'd try the new vortex 1-10 if you can wait for its release. I bought a 3-18 mark 5 and it seemed ridiculously heavy and clunky on my 17. It now sits on a scar 20s and almost feels underpowered. Not the greatest scope when fully dialed up. I was shooting 1350y last weekend and would like a better scope at that range. That of course is really pushing the limits of a 20" 308. Maybe look at the new kahles 1-8. Really depends on ranges you'll shoot and target size.

How far did you take your 17 out to? What ammo?

 

[ScarlettRed]

I currently have a leupold mk 6 1-6 on my 17s. I shoot Barnes 150g TTSX at around 1700fps. I sighted dope out to 400 yards. It currently is my deer rifle so I don't really need longer range dope due to energy expansion issues. Everytime I take it out to sight it in it gives about .35 moa for the first 3 shots. I was sceptical I could shoot that precise with a 6x. That rifle always amazes me. I'm not sure my 20s is as accurate but it will hold accuracy for a longer string. I just shot my first Elk cow last weekend at 284y with the 20s and a 165 nosler accubond. Full expansion as I had a nice sized exit wound. I had my Leupold mk5 3.6-18 dialed down to 10x for that shot. Eyebox is too finicky at 18x so I hope to upgrade to a ZCO 4-20 in the future.

 

[Ajaylswo]

I currently have a leupold mk 6 1-6 on my 17s. I shoot Barnes 150g TTSX at around 1700fps. I sighted dope out to 400 yards. It currently is my deer rifle so I don't really need longer range dope due to energy expansion issues. Everytime I take it out to sight it in it gives about .35 moa for the first 3 shots. I was sceptical I could shoot that precise with a 6x. That rifle always amazes me. I'm not sure my 20s is as accurate but it will hold accuracy for a longer string. I just shot my first Elk cow last weekend at 284y with the 20s and a 165 nosler accubond. Full expansion as I had a nice sized exit wound. I had my Leupold mk5 3.6-18 dialed down to 10x for that shot. Eyebox is too finicky at 18x so I hope to upgrade to a ZCO 4-20 in the future.

Thanks, I would have thought it would have been greater than 1700 FPS, what is a ZCO 4-20? 0.35 MOA is crazy accurate, nice work man!

 

[ScarlettRed]

The 17s only has a 16" barrel. Not a lot of speed. The ZCO is Zero Compromise Optics. Top quality scope.

 

[Ajaylswo]

10-4, that’s a really nice scope, there’s a video on YouTube of a Canadian guy that has a ZCO on his APC308 and it looks great. Best of luck.
Do you have any chronograph data on the 17s with 150 grain bullets?

 

[KaRwithaScar]

I went with a Scar 17 and Trijicon Accupower 1-8x28 and I enjoy it for the DMR set-up. I wouldn't put a high magnification optic on the Scar, reason being is I have found the mechanical accuracy of the rifle is ~1.6 MOA. If you want to push out your distance go ahead and get that Leupold on it. FWIW I am looking into the S&W performance center 6.5 because I want an accurate semi-auto rifle. When I get a 1 MOA semi-auto I'll put something higher magnification on it.

when you refer to your 1.6 moa accuracy results what ammo were you using and did you ever try reloading? Im just curious as Im setting mine up as well but have not shot it as of yet. thanks

 

[ScarlettRed]

10-4, that’s a really nice scope, there’s a video on YouTube of a Canadian guy that has a ZCO on his APC308 and it looks great. Best of luck.
Do you have any chronograph data on the 17s with 150 grain bullets?

I don't have a list, I just logged the average into my ballistic program. I had about 2625 fps with 168 A Max handloads. I should note I shoot with an ultra 7 on most my rifles so the velocity will be a bit higher due to back pressure.

 

[ScarlettRed]

And yeah, I've seen that youtube channel. That APC 308 looks pretty awesome.