7 Best 1-6 Scopes

Today’s post focuses on the best 1-6 scope. When it comes to versatile optics that blend close-quarters agility with long-range precision, the 1-6x riflescope stands out as a top choice for discerning shooters. The 1-6x magnification range provides an unparalleled combination of speed and flexibility. It offers the ideal balance between the quick target acquisition of a red dot and the precision of higher-powered scopes, making it an indispensable tool for tactical shooters, competitive marksmen, and hunting enthusiasts alike.

The appeal of a 1-6x scope lies in its adaptability. With a wide field of view at 1x, you can quickly acquire and track moving targets, while the 6x magnification allows for accurate shots at longer distances, expanding your shooting capabilities. The choice of reticles, optical clarity, and build quality can significantly impact performance, and understanding these factors will help you select the best scope for your needs.

Best 1-6 Scope

We have searched the market and come up with the scopes that get brownie points for you to pick from. Let’s check them out in detail.

1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Best 1-6 scope

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope is a versatile and rugged optic designed to enhance performance across a range of shooting scenarios. Its XD Lens Elements, featuring extra-low dispersion glass, deliver outstanding resolution and color fidelity, ensuring crisp, sharp images even in challenging conditions.

Coupled with proprietary fully multi-coated lenses, which maximize light transmission and minimize reflections, this riflescope offers exceptional clarity and brightness.

The Strike Eagle boasts a second focal plane reticle, where the scale of the reticle remains consistent regardless of magnification. This design ensures that the reticle subtensions used for range estimation, holdover, and wind drift correction are accurate at the highest magnification, enhancing precision in various shooting situations.

Additionally, the glass-etched reticle is protected between two layers of glass, offering intricate design details while maintaining durability and reliability.

An illuminated reticle is a standout feature, providing clear and precise aiming even in low-light conditions, which is crucial for both tactical operations and hunting at dawn or dusk. The fast focus eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle adjustments, ensuring optimal clarity and focus without delay.

Another highlight that makes it the best 1-6 scope is the top-notch construction quality. The scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it a robust choice for any demanding shooting scenario.

Pros

  • XD Lens Elements: Enhance resolution and color fidelity for sharp, clear images.
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Increase light transmission and reduce reflections for brighter views.
  • Second Focal Plane Reticle: Maintains consistent reticle size for accurate range estimation and holdovers.
  • Glass-Etched Reticle: Ensures intricate design and durability by being sandwiched between two layers of glass.
  • Illuminated Reticle: Provides precision aiming in low-light conditions.
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece: Allows for quick reticle focusing.
  • Durable Construction: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for reliable performance in any environment.

Cons

  • No First Focal Plane Reticle: Subtensions are only accurate at the highest magnification.

2) Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Riflescope

The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm boasts the advanced ACSS reticle that offers a comprehensive aiming solution with bullet drop compensation, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation capabilities. This innovative reticle system ensures intuitive and fast target acquisition, providing accuracy from 300 to 800 yards and rapid target engagement from 0 to 300 yards.

The second focal plane design of the reticle maintains its size and usability across the magnification range, providing a stable aiming point for both quick acquisition at lower magnifications and precision at higher settings.

The red illumination features 11 brightness settings, including a daylight-bright option, powered by a CR2032 battery. An additional battery is conveniently stored in the windage turret cap, ensuring you’re always prepared.

It is manufactured from single-piece 6063 aluminum which makes it both rugged and lightweight. Its hardcoat anodized matte finish enhances durability and reduces glare.

When it comes to optical performance, the scope scores highly. It has fully multi-coated lenses that increase the level of light tranmission. As a result? You get stunningly clear, bright, and sharp images.

Pros

  • Advanced ACSS Reticle: Provides bullet drop compensation, wind holds, and moving target leads, enhancing accuracy and speed.
  • Versatile Magnification: 1-6x range supports both close and long-range shooting.
  • Daylight Bright Illumination: 11 brightness settings for various lighting conditions, including daylight.
  • Durable Construction: Single-piece 6063 aluminum with hardcoat anodized finish for toughness and reliability.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Improved design is shorter and lighter for easier handling and reduced bulk.
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Maximizes light transmission for bright, clear images.
  • Convenient Battery Storage: Spare CR2032 battery included in the windage turret cap.

Cons

  • Second Focal Plane Reticle: Reticle subtensions are only accurate at the highest magnification.

3) Sig Sauer Tango MRS 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Sig Sauer Tango MRS 1-6x24mm Riflescope

The Sig Sauer Tango MRS is another best 1-6 scope loaded with incredible features that make it a worth investment. Its high-performance 6x optical system, featuring low dispersion glass, ensures exceptional clarity and brightness across the entire magnification range.

The illuminated MSR BDC-6 reticle, with 11 brightness levels, provides precise aiming points and enhanced visibility in varying light conditions, making it ideal for both tactical and competitive shooting.

A key addition of the Tango MRS is its integrated thread-in throw lever, which facilitates quick and easy magnification changes, allowing shooters to adapt to different scenarios swiftly.

With 0.5 MOA adjustment increments and a 44 MOA travel-per-rotation, the scope offers fine-tuned precision for both windage and elevation adjustments. The field of view (FOV) measures 124.8 feet at 100 yards on low power and narrows to 19.6 feet at high power, offering a wide field for close engagements and detailed target acquisition at longer ranges.

When it comes to performance in all situations and weather, the scope doesn’t disappoint. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

Pros

  • High-Performance Optical System: 6x magnification with low dispersion glass for clear and bright images.
  • Integrated Throw Lever: Allows for quick and efficient magnification changes.
  • Illuminated MSR BDC-6 Reticle: 11 brightness levels for various lighting conditions and precise aiming.
  • Fine Adjustment Increments: 0.5 MOA adjustments with 44 MOA travel-per-rotation for accurate zeroing.
  • Wide Field of View: 124.8 feet at 100 yards on low power and 19.6 feet on high power.
  • Rugged Construction: Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof for reliable use in any weather.

Cons

  • No First Focal Plane Reticle: Reticle subtensions are not consistent across the magnification range.

4) Barska 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Best 1-6 scope

The Barska 1-6x24mm Riflescope is engineered to deliver reliable performance and clarity in various shooting scenarios. Featuring fully multi-coated optics, this scope ensures impressive viewing clarity by maximizing light transmission and minimizing reflections.

The 30mm tube diameter enhances durability and supports a wide field of view, making it ideal for both close and medium-range engagements.

Equipped with an illuminated Mil-Dot reticle, the Barska scope offers adjustable brightness and color settings (red, green, and black), allowing users to adapt to different lighting conditions and target backgrounds. The glass-etched reticle construction ensures durability and precision, while the second focal plane design maintains the reticle’s size across magnification settings, providing consistent aiming points.

For precision adjustments, the scope features easy-grip external locking knobs for windage and elevation, preventing accidental changes.

The scope also boasts a robust design, with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction to withstand harsh conditions and rigorous use. With a generous eye relief of 3.7 inches and an exit pupil of 4mm at 1x and 11mm at 6x, this scope offers comfortable viewing and effective light gathering at all magnification levels.

Pros

  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics: Provides enhanced clarity and brightness.
  • Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle: Features adjustable brightness and multiple color options for versatile use.
  • External Locking Knobs: Prevent accidental adjustments for reliable zeroing.
  • Durable Construction: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for dependable performance in all conditions.
  • Generous Eye Relief: 3.7 inches for comfortable viewing.
  • Large Exit Pupil: 4mm at 1x and 11mm at 6x for effective light transmission.

Cons

  • Relatively Heavy: Weighs 17.6 oz, which may be cumbersome for some users.

5) Swampfox Arrowhead 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Swampfox Arrowhead 1-6x24mm Riflescope

The Swampfox Arrowhead 1-6x24mm Riflescope stands out as the other best 1-6 scope with its cutting-edge optical design, delivering an impressive field of view without compromising on eye relief.

This scope offers a true 1x experience, providing a flat, fast sight picture and a generous eye box that ensures a bright and clear image even at full magnification. The advanced optics enable quick target acquisition and precise aiming across varying distances, making it suitable for both close-quarter and long-range engagements.

A valuable addition are the push/pull locking turrets, which secure the adjustments in place to prevent accidental changes. These turrets can be zeroed and reset using a coin or screwdriver, offering convenience and precision.

The scope includes 12 illumination brightness levels for the reticle, including 2 night-vision compatible settings. The “OFF” detents between brightness levels ensure that users can easily find their preferred setting without excess rotation.

The Arrowhead also comes with an included throw lever that bolts directly to the magnification ring. This lever allows for rapid changes to 6x magnification, enhancing versatility and adaptability in dynamic shooting scenarios. Whether transitioning from close-range targets to longer distances, this riflescope delivers consistent performance and ease of use.

Pros

  • State-of-the-Art Optical Design: Wider field of view and excellent eye relief.
  • True 1x Experience: Flat sight picture with great brightness at full magnification.
  • Push/Pull Locking Turrets: Prevent accidental adjustments and allow for easy zeroing and reset.
  • 12 Illumination Brightness Levels: Includes 2 night-vision compatible settings and “OFF” detents.
  • Included Throw Lever: Facilitates quick magnification changes up to 6x.

Cons

  • Additional Weight: The throw lever and turret mechanisms add to the overall weight of the scope.

6) EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Best 1-6 scope

The EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Riflescope is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and features a single-piece design with an anodized finish, ensuring maximum durability and resilience against heavy recoil and rough handling. The scope’s robust construction is complemented by its water-resistant, fog-resistant, and shock-resistant properties, making it suitable for various challenging conditions.

Equipped with the SR1 MRAD reticle, the Vudu offers precise aiming with a green illuminated reticle that enhances visibility in various lighting conditions.

The XC high-density, low dispersion glass paired with anti-reflective coated lenses ensures efficient light transmission and outstanding edge-to-edge clarity, providing a clear and sharp sight picture. The scope’s sleek, scalloped design on the eyepiece facilitates quick and easy magnification adjustments, enhancing user convenience and speed in the field.

Additional features include laser-etched adjustment indicators and push-button illumination controls, which simplify tracking and reticle adjustments. Nitrogen gas purging prevents internal fogging, ensuring clear visibility across the operating temperature range. The O-ring seals keep moisture and dust out, preserving the scope’s performance even in the harshest environments.

Pros

  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction: Provides extreme durability and withstands heavy recoil.
  • SR1 Reticle with Green Illumination: Enhances target visibility in various lighting conditions.
  • XC High-Density Glass: Offers efficient light transmission and superior edge-to-edge clarity.
  • Fog, Water, and Shock Resistant: Reliable performance in challenging environments.
  • Sleek Design for Quick Adjustments: Facilitates fast and easy magnification changes.

Cons

  • Higher Price Point: May be more expensive compared to other scopes with similar magnification ranges.

7) Trijicon VCOG 1-6x24mm Riflescope

Best 1-6 scope

Last but not least is the Trijicon VCOG 1-6x24mm riflescope. It excels in various shooting scenarios with its superior glass quality and exceptional light-gathering capabilities. The scope’s multi-coated lenses provide crystal-clear images with zero distortion, ensuring that shooters have a clear view of their target in any condition.

The first focal plane reticle is a lovely inclusion, allowing for accurate range estimation and bullet drop compensation at any magnification level. This means that the reticle’s subtensions remain true across the entire zoom range, enhancing the shooter’s ability to make precise adjustments on the fly.

The device’s construction is equally impressive, featuring a forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy housing that has been tested to MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring durability and resistance to harsh field conditions.

Moreover, it is powered by a single AA battery, a globally common and easily accessible power source. The scope offers 6 adjustable brightness settings for the LED reticle, including a high-performance lithium AA battery that provides up to 700 hours of battery life at the fourth brightness setting.

The integrated dial fin facilitates smooth and quick magnification adjustments, and the constant eye relief ensures that shooters do not need to adjust their head or stock positions for a clear view.

On top of that, it boasts waterproof capabilities up to 20 meters (66 feet), making it suitable for adverse weather conditions and underwater use.

Pros

  • Superior Glass Quality: Multi-coated lenses offer excellent clarity and light-gathering capabilities with zero distortion.
  • First Focal Plane Reticle: Accurate range estimation and bullet drop compensation at any magnification.
  • Durable Construction: Forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy housing tested to MIL-STD-810G standards.
  • Bright Illumination: Powered by a single AA battery with up to 700 hours of battery life at setting 4.
  • Quick Magnification Adjustments: Integrated dial fin for easy rotation through magnification settings.
  • No Rings Needed: Integrated mounting adapter for quick and easy rail attachment.

Cons

  • Higher Price Point: The VCOG is a premium scope and may be priced higher than some competitors.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best 1-6 Scope

Choosing the best 1-6x riflescope involves evaluating several critical factors to ensure that it meets your specific shooting needs and preferences. Here are seven detailed factors to consider:

Optical Quality and Clarity

The quality of the glass and optical design is paramount in a 1-6x riflescope. Look for a scope that feature high-density, low dispersion (HD or XD) glass, which enhances clarity, reduces distortion, and provides excellent light transmission. Fully multi-coated lenses are crucial for minimizing reflections and maximizing light transfer, which improves image brightness and contrast. Scopes with advanced optical coatings and high-quality glass will offer better edge-to-edge clarity, crucial for both close-quarters and long-range shooting.

Reticle Design and Illumination

The reticle is a key component of  the best 1-6x scope. Consider one with illuminated reticles, especially if you frequently shoot in low-light conditions. Reticles should be designed for quick target acquisition and accurate range estimation. A first focal plane (FFP) reticle allows for consistent subtension values across all magnification settings, making it easier to estimate range and apply correct holdovers.

Furthermore, Look for a scope with multiple brightness settings, including night-vision compatible options, and easy-to-use controls for adjusting the reticle illumination.

Construction Quality

Given the varied conditions in which a 1-6x scope might be used, durability is crucial. Opt for scopes with a rugged construction, such as those made from aircraft-grade aluminum or other high-strength materials. The scope should be tested to withstand extreme conditions, including shock, recoil, water, and fog resistance. Features like a single-piece tube, o-ring seals, and nitrogen purging are essential for maintaining performance in adverse weather conditions and preventing internal fogging.

Adjustment Mechanisms and Turrets

The scope’s adjustment mechanisms should be precise and user-friendly. Look for scopes with easy-to-use turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. External locking turrets can prevent accidental changes and are ideal for maintaining zero. Ensure the turrets offer clear and audible clicks, with adjustments in practical increments (e.g., 0.1 or 0.25 MOA). Some scopes include features like push/pull locking turrets or zero-reset capabilities for added convenience.

Battery Life

Battery life is also instrumental when choosing the best 1-6 scope. Since many 1-6x scopes feature illuminated reticles, battery life is an important consideration. Look for scopes that use commonly available batteries, such as AA or CR2032, and offer extended battery life to minimize the need for frequent replacements. Features like adjustable brightness settings and an “off” position between settings can help conserve battery power. Additionally, consider scopes with a battery life of several hundred hours or more, which ensures reliable performance over extended periods.

Best 1-6 Scope FAQs

What Does 1-6x In a Scope Mean?

The 1-6x in a riflescope indicates a variable magnification range, where the scope can be adjusted from 1x magnification, providing a wide field of view similar to using a red dot sight, up to 6x magnification, which allows for more detailed and precise targeting at longer distances. This range offers versatility, making the scope suitable for both close-quarters combat and medium-range shooting, adapting to various shooting scenarios without needing to switch optics.

What Range Is a 1-6 Scope Good For?

A 1-6x riflescope is highly versatile, making it suitable for a range of shooting scenarios from close-quarters to moderate long-range engagements. At 1x magnification, it provides a wide field of view and fast target acquisition for close-range targets, ideal for dynamic situations and rapid shooting. When zoomed to 6x, the scope offers sufficient magnification to engage targets effectively at distances up to 600-800 yards, depending on the specific reticle and optical quality. This range makes it an excellent choice for tactical, hunting, and competition shooting where both near and extended-range accuracy are required.

What Is the Difference Between a First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane?

The key difference between first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) scopes lies in how the reticle scales with magnification. In an FFP scope, the reticle size changes proportionally with the zoom level, ensuring that the reticle’s subtensions (e.g., mil-dot or MOA marks) remain accurate for range estimation and holdovers at any magnification. This allows for precise adjustments across the entire magnification range.

Conversely, in an SFP scope, the reticle size remains constant regardless of the magnification level, meaning that subtensions are only accurate at a specific magnification setting. This typically requires the user to make sure they are at the designated magnification to use the reticle’s markings effectively.

Next Read:

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7 Best FFP Scopes for Deer Hunting

Conclusion

Selecting the best 1-6x scope hinges on finding the perfect blend of versatility, durability, and optical performance. We hope this guide has been insightful and has helped you identify a scope for your next expedition.