My AR10 was built for hunting in mind.
I have a 3.5-10 Leupold VXIII. Look for a quality scope, 30mm tube & a 40mm
or larger objective.

Some of the cheaper brands glass are acceptable to many folks. However, everyone
is different. My first rifle had a Bushnell Trophy, 3-9x40, I was VERY happy with it.
I used it for three years hunting in Montana. All was good until I got a Leupold for
Christmas,........it went down hill from there! I was spoiled, better clearer glass,
much greater light gathering ability.

Do you want a Buick or a Cadillac?

 

I would love a Cadillac but can only afford a Buick.
Been looking at Vortex scopes. Ever tried one?

 

No experience with Vortex.

What is your budget price range?
What is your estimated farthest distance?

 

We have been using the IOR 2X12X32 for years now and love them. The glass is by Schotts Glass company owned by Zeiss. The finest glass in the world. The lens on this scope has 22 of Zeiss wide band coatings and both sides of each piece of glass in the scope. Plus, 7 of these are anti reflective coatings.

Check out Scott, at Liberty Optics.

 

If the OP would like to have a Cadillac, but can afford a Buick
I'm guessing a $1200 scope is a bit out of budget!

 

I don't hunt and 8X is about all I can hold these days, but.. I like the Nikon scopes and they are $300-ish.. Ron

 

Go used to get a caddy at a buick price....

Luepold Mk4 PR is the I guess "entry" level scope into the Mk4s. I had one on my Bushmaster Predator, it's now on my M1a. Good solid scope.

Joe C has been convincing me that Sightron scopes are every bit as good as Leupold. I haven't had the chance to try one yet.

I have an aquaitance who builds rifles, he's sold on the Vortex scopes as being able to do what he and his customers need to do. He said the 4-16x.

Just be careful on what you pick, if you get one too high it starts getting awkward to shoot.

Also, some of the most solid scopes out there for the price are the Leupold Vari x 2s. Look into Leupold's reticle changes program, they can't put every type in every scope, but it can give you some flexability on a used one you may pick up.

 

So this sort of depends on what scopes you already have. Once you buy the Cadillac, it is extremely hard to to go back to a Buick. So assuming you don't have a Caddie yet, and I am a Nikon fan, I would look at the Nikon Prostaff line. They are some incredible scopes for the money. If you decide you can afford a bit more, step up to the Buckmasters line or branch out to one of their other lines. Nikon makes quality scopes at a great price. I think you have a good idea in 3-9 or 4-12. Rather than worrying about if it is enough magnification, why don't you work backwards instead. What are the closest shots you will be taking? Will 4x pose a problem a problem at this distance, no, well maybe you should look at a 6-18x and see if 6x would pose a problem. I would focus on the lower end of the magnification spectrum, then that will decide what your maximum would be. 6x should not pose a problem at 100 yard shooting from a bipod at all, but at 50 yards, your field of view is going to start getting slim and hard to pick up moving targets. Everyone always worries if they will have enough on the top end, when I feel the low end is more important.

 

I have been looking at the Nikon scopes. They seem pretty resonable. Don't see many out there though.

When I hunted years ago, Leupold was the standard. I have had a couple but nothing too spectacular.

I will take a look at your suggestions. Buying a scope is worse than selceting a rifle.
My distance with the 223 would be no more than 250 yards. That is probably the farthest I would want to walk to make sure it was dead.

Thanks for your input guys.

 

Nikon makes a nice scope, my BIL has one on his AR. I have a Sightron S-II 6X24 on my varmint RRA, and love it.
It's as clear as a Leupold, but costs less.