Best 1-8x Scope – The 4 Top Optics in 2025

The 1-8x magnification class sits in an odd spot. It’s supposed to give you true 1x speed for close work and enough top-end magnification to reach out past 300 yards when needed. That’s the promise, anyway. Reality is more complicated.

Most shooters who think they need 1-8x power would actually be better served by a 1-6x scope. The extra magnification sounds great until you realize the eyebox gets tighter, the scopes get heavier, and that 8x top end isn’t enough for serious precision work anyway. But there are scenarios where 1‑8x makes sense—AR‑15 setups that need to transition from clearing rooms to engaging targets around 350–400 yards, hunters who want one optic that works from thick brush to open senderos, and 3‑gun stages that demand both close‑quarters speed and mid‑range precision.

I tested four scopes specifically to figure out which ones actually deliver on the 1-8x promise rather than just existing in that magnification range. After running about 350 rounds total across all four scopes, with each scope mounted in turn, the Primary Arms SLx 1‑8×24 FFP came out ahead. It’s the lightest FFP scope in this test by a significant margin and it costs less than most of the competition. That combination matters more than premium glass when you’re actually using the scope.

For other LPVOs, you can read my guides on 1-4x optics and 1-6x optics.

My Top 4 1-8x Picks

Why You Can Trust My Recommendations

The first LPVO I bought was a 1-8x scope. Made sense on paper—get the close-range speed of 1x and the precision of 8x in one package. Mounted it on my AR, took it to the range, and spent the next hour fighting with a tight eyebox and discovering that true 1x is harder to achieve than manufacturers admit.

That scope taught me the gap between marketing promises and field reality. I’ve been testing rifle scopes for fifteen years now, evaluated over 200 optics through ScopesReviews, and hold NRA Range Safety Officer and Certified Firearms Instructor certifications. Five years working the firearms counter at Bass Pro Shops showed me the questions shooters actually ask versus what they think they need. The 1-8x magnification range is where those two things diverge most dramatically.

This guide comes from mounting each of these four scopes on the same rifle, shooting the same ammunition, and documenting what actually happened during testing.

Side-by-Side Specs

Before we get into detailed reviews, here’s how these four scopes compare on paper. The numbers matter, but they don’t tell the whole story—especially with 1-8x optics where real-world usability diverges from specifications more than any other magnification range I’ve tested.

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The 4 Best 1-8x Scopes

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1. Primary Arms SLx 1-8×24 FFP – Best Overall Value

The Weight Difference You Actually Feel

First thing I noticed after mounting the Primary Arms was how much lighter my rifle felt compared to the Vortex I’d been running. Six ounces doesn’t sound like much until you’re holding a rifle at the ready for the third magazine and your support arm isn’t screaming. The balance point shifted back toward the magwell where it belongs on an AR-15. I could swing between targets faster without fighting the momentum of a front-heavy setup.

When the ACSS Reticle Clicked

The chevron took me about thirty rounds to appreciate. At 1x with both eyes open, it disappeared into my peripheral vision until I needed it—just a subtle anchor point that let me track moving targets without conscious thought. Cranked up to 8x at 300 yards, the same chevron stayed crisp while the ranging ladder below it gave me holdovers that actually worked because the first focal plane design kept everything proportional.

I was shooting steel plates at varying distances without touching the turrets. The auto-ranging brackets let me estimate a hog-sized target at 400 yards, apply the corresponding holdover, and connect. When I verified the math later with a laser rangefinder, I was within five yards of my estimate. That’s the kind of field-usable feature that matters more than spec sheet numbers.

The Eye Relief Trade-Off

Here’s where this scope demands something from you. The eye relief is shorter than the Vortex or the SIG, and I had to be more deliberate about my cheek weld to get a full sight picture. At 1x it was forgiving enough for rapid shooting, but push past 6x and any inconsistency in head position showed up as a tunnel view with dark edges creeping in. I adjusted my mount position forward half an inch and the problem mostly solved itself. Shooters who can’t maintain consistent form will find this frustrating.

Glass Quality at This Price Point

The image wasn’t as sharp as the Trijicon, especially at 8x where I could see slight softness at the edges. But it was better than I expected for mid-tier pricing. Colors rendered naturally, resolution was adequate for identifying targets at distance, and the anti-reflective coating handled harsh backlight without washing out. I tested this scope during early November in central Texas—bright midday sun and dim dawn conditions—and never felt handicapped by the glass. At dusk, around 6:30 PM, I could still make out the target at 250 yards with the Primary Arms, but the Trijicon rendered fine details more clearly.

Durability Through Real Use

I put roughly 100 rounds through this scope across four separate range sessions. The zero held through all of it, including one session where the rifle got knocked against a bench rest hard enough to make me wince. The illumination brightness stayed consistent—not daylight-bright like some premium options, but adequate for low-light work. The turrets tracked correctly when I ran a box test, returning to zero within a quarter-MOA after multiple rotations. The finish showed minor wear where the rings clamped down, but nothing that suggested premature failure.

What won me over was how this scope stayed out of my way. It didn’t demand attention or force me to work around its limitations. The lightweight build meant my rifle handled the way an AR-15 should. The reticle gave me information I could use without cluttering my view. The first focal plane design meant the scope worked the same way regardless of magnification setting. Those practical advantages matter more during actual shooting than premium features I’d rarely use.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Box Test Tracking (8 clicks up, 8 right, 8 down, 8 left)	Returned within 0.2 MOA of original zero
Zero Retention (4 sessions, ~100 rounds)	No measurable shift
5-Shot Group at 100 Yards (8x magnification)	1.3 MOA from bipod
Ranging Accuracy Test (unknown distance targets)	Within 5 yards on 3 of 4 targets using ACSS ranging system
Low Light Usability (civil twilight)	Clear target identification to 250 yards

Tested with: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II | Federal Premium 55gr FMJ

Pros and Cons

PROS Lightest FFP scope in test by significant margin—noticeably better rifle balance ACSS Raptor reticle provides field-usable ranging and holdovers First focal plane design maintains reticle function across magnification range Strong value proposition for features delivered

CONS Shorter eye relief demands consistent cheek weld technique Glass clarity trails premium competitors at maximum magnification Illumination brightness adequate but not daylight-visible

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Primary Arms SLx won this comparison by solving the 1-8x magnification range’s core problem: most scopes in this class feel like compromises. This one feels like a purpose-built tool that happens to be light enough and smart enough to justify its existence on an AR-15.

This scope is one of the best choices for the .223 Remington.

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2. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP – Best Feature Set

The Forgiveness Factor

After fighting with the Primary Arms’ tight eye relief, mounting the Vortex felt like breathing room. I could shift my head position slightly and still maintain a clean sight picture across the entire magnification range. This matters during rapid transitions—when you’re not perfectly indexed behind the scope, you still get usable information instead of a dark tunnel. I ran drills where I’d break position, acquire a new target, and shoot. The Vortex let me be sloppier and still connect.

Weight Distribution Reality

The extra six ounces over the Primary Arms isn’t evenly distributed. Most of that weight sits in the front half of the scope body, right where it amplifies the front-heavy feel of an AR-15. By the end of my second magazine, my support arm was working harder than it should. It’s not unbearable, but it’s noticeable, especially if you’re running the rifle dynamically rather than shooting from a bench. I’d accept this weight penalty on a bolt gun. On an AR intended for quick handling, it’s a legitimate compromise.

The EBR-8 Reticle Under Stress

The center at 1x caught my eye faster than the Primary Arms chevron during close-range drills. There’s something about that broken circle that draws your focus without cluttering the view. But the reticle gets busy at higher magnifications. The hash marks are useful for windage holds, but there’s more visual information than I needed when I was just trying to put rounds on steel at 350 yards. I found myself using the center crosshair and ignoring most of the surrounding details.

The illumination makes a difference. At setting 7 or 8, the center reticle was visible in bright Texas sunlight—not blazing like a red dot, but bright enough to use. The Primary Arms washed out under the same conditions. For shooters who use their LPVOs in varying light, that extra illumination capability matters.

Zero Reset Turrets Actually Working

This is where the Vortex pulled ahead of both the Primary Arms and the SIG. After zeroing at 100 yards, I lifted the turret caps, loosened the set screws, and rotated the dials back to zero. Simple process that took maybe two minutes. Later that session, I dialed up for a 400-yard shot, made the correction, then spun everything back to my marked zero. Point of impact returned to within a quarter-inch of my original group.

That’s genuinely useful if you’re the kind of shooter who dials occasionally but wants to return to your baseline quickly. Most 1-8x scopes assume you’ll hold over for everything. Vortex gave you the option to dial without needing to count clicks back to zero or trust your memory.

Glass Performance Where It Counts

The image quality sits between the Primary Arms and the Trijicon. At 8x, I could see more detail than the PA’s glass resolved, but it wasn’t the step up you’d expect from the price difference. Edge clarity was good—not great—with slight color fringing on high-contrast edges when I looked for it. The anti-reflective coating handled difficult lighting angles without flaring, and the overall image felt neutral without the slight warmth I noticed in the SIG’s glass.

During that same dusk testing session at 6:30 PM, this scope performed nearly identically to the Primary Arms. I could identify the same targets at the same distances. The Trijicon’s larger objective and better glass gave it an edge as light faded, but the Vortex held its own against the other mid-tier option.

Durability Meets Warranty Confidence

I ran approximately 90 rounds through the Strike Eagle across three sessions. The scope held zero without issue, survived the same bench rest collision that I put the Primary Arms through, and showed no mechanical problems. The finish held up well to handling and mounting wear. Vortex’s VIP warranty means if something does break, they’ll fix or replace it regardless of how it happened. That peace of mind adds real value to the package.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Zero Retention (3 sessions, ~90 rounds)	No measurable shift
5-Shot Group at 100 Yards (8x magnification)	1.1 MOA from bipod
Zero Reset Function Test	Returned within 0.25″ of original POI after 16 MOA correction
Eyebox Forgiveness Test (off-axis viewing)	Maintained 80% sight picture with 0.5″ head position variance
Illumination Visibility (midday sun)	Usable on settings 7-9

Tested with: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II | Federal Premium 55gr FMJ

Pros and Cons

PROS More forgiving eye relief accommodates inconsistent shooting positions Zero reset turrets enable quick return to baseline after dialing corrections Brighter illumination remains visible in harsh lighting conditions Vortex VIP warranty provides comprehensive coverage

CONS Weight penalty affects rifle handling and support arm fatigue EBR-8 reticle becomes visually busy at higher magnifications Glass quality good but not exceptional for the price tier

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Strike Eagle delivers more features than any other scope in this test—zero reset turrets, brighter illumination, more forgiving eye relief. Whether those features justify carrying an extra six ounces depends on how you use your rifle. For precision-oriented shooters who occasionally need close-range capability, this makes sense. For dynamic shooters who need to move fast, the Primary Arms’ lighter weight wins.

If you want more info about the scope, see my full Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 review.

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3. SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-8x24mm – Best Budget Option

The Field of View Advantage

At 1x, this scope gives you more visible area than any other optic in the test. I could track multiple targets during transition drills without losing peripheral context. That extra width made the rifle feel faster than the Vortex. For close-range work—the kind where you’re engaging threats inside 50 yards—this was the easiest scope to run aggressively.

Second Focal Plane Limitations Surface

The BDC holdovers only work at 8x. I knew this going in, but it didn’t fully register until I was at the range trying to use them at 6x and watching my impacts print low. The bullet drop compensation hash marks are calibrated for maximum magnification, which means you’re either cranking the power ring all the way up or you’re estimating corrections mentally. That defeats the purpose of having holdovers in the first place.

At 1x through about 4x, I treated this like a red dot with a simple crosshair. It worked fine in that role. Above 6x, I had to commit to 8x to use the reticle features. The first focal plane scopes in this test let me use holdovers at any magnification setting. This one forced me into specific power settings depending on the shot.

Coarse Adjustments Create Problems

Half-MOA clicks sound reasonable until you’re trying to zero at 100 yards and each adjustment moves your point of impact half an inch. I ended up slightly off-zero because I couldn’t split the difference between clicks. With the Primary Arms and Vortex, quarter-MOA adjustments let me dial in a perfect zero. With the SIG, I settled for “close enough” and accepted that my point of impact wouldn’t be dead center.

This becomes more problematic when you’re trying to make small corrections at distance. Half-MOA is too much resolution for precision work. You’re either over-correcting or under-correcting with no middle ground. For a scope marketed toward AR-15 shooters—who often shoot precision—this feels like a cost-cutting decision that affects real-world performance.

The Adjustment Range Ceiling

One hundred MOA of elevation and windage travel is borderline insufficient for this magnification class. I zeroed at 100 yards and had enough internal adjustment to reach 500 yards with 55-grain ammunition, but there wasn’t much margin left. Heavier bullets with more drop would eat through that adjustment range faster. The Primary Arms and Vortex both offer 30-45% more internal travel. That difference matters if you’re trying to push the scope’s capabilities.

Where the Glass Holds Up

The optical clarity surprised me. Images were sharp across the magnification range with minimal edge distortion. Color rendition had a slightly warm cast compared to the more neutral Vortex, but nothing objectionable. Resolution at 8x was comparable to the Primary Arms—I could see details clearly enough for practical shooting out to 400 yards without feeling handicapped by the glass. At dusk, the scope fell behind the others as light faded, struggling to maintain image clarity past 200 yards when the Trijicon still delivered usable images at 300.

Build Quality at Budget Pricing

The scope body felt solid during handling. I put about 80 rounds through it across three sessions. Zero held adequately—I saw about a half-inch shift after one particularly rough transport to the range, but it settled back after I re-confirmed zero. The turrets clicked with decent tactile feedback despite the coarse adjustment value. The illumination worked consistently across all settings. The finish showed wear quickly where the rings mounted, more so than the other scopes in this test.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Zero Retention (3 sessions, ~80 rounds)	0.5″ shift after transport, re-stabilized after confirmation
5-Shot Group at 100 Yards (8x magnification)	1.4 MOA from bipod
BDC Accuracy Test (using 8x holdovers at varying distances)	Effective to 350 yards, diverged beyond that distance
Maximum Usable Distance (adequate image clarity)	400 yards in good light conditions

Tested with: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II | Federal Premium 55gr FMJ

Pros and Cons

PROS Widest field of view enables faster target transitions at close range Lightweight design keeps rifle balanced and maneuverable Glass clarity competitive with mid-tier options Budget pricing makes 1-8x magnification accessible

CONS Second focal plane reticle limits holdover usability to maximum magnification Coarse 0.5 MOA clicks prevent precise zero and fine adjustments Limited 100 MOA adjustment range restricts maximum effective distance Zero retention adequate but not exceptional

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Tango-MSR makes sense if you’re building an AR-15 on a budget and your shooting stays inside 300 yards. The wide field of view and light weight make it pleasant to run. But the second focal plane reticle and limited adjustment range create real limitations that the other scopes in this test don’t have. You’re saving money by accepting compromises that affect how you use the scope.

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4. Trijicon Credo 1-8×28 – Premium Glass Option

The Glass Difference You Can See

I mounted the Trijicon after testing the other three scopes, and the image quality jump was immediate. Not subtle—immediate. Looking through this scope at 8x felt like I’d been squinting through the others without realizing it. Edge-to-edge sharpness that didn’t soften at the periphery, colors that looked natural instead of slightly off, resolution that let me see bullet holes at 100 yards without straining. This is what premium glass actually delivers.

The low-light performance gap widened further. At that same 6:30 PM dusk session where the other scopes struggled past 200-250 yards, the Trijicon kept delivering usable images at 300 yards. I could identify target details that had disappeared into shadow through the mid-tier glass. The larger objective lens helps, but this was mostly about coating quality and optical design. When light gets scarce, premium glass earns its keep.

Living With the Weight Penalty

At 25.6 ounces, this scope turned my AR-15 into a front-heavy rifle that fatigued my support arm faster than either lightweight option. By the time I’d run three magazines through transition drills, I was feeling it. The scope sits nearly eight ounces heavier than the Primary Arms—that’s half a pound of extra weight hanging off your rail. On a precision bolt gun where you’re shooting from supported positions, this weight wouldn’t matter. On an AR that’s supposed to handle dynamically, it’s a legitimate problem.

The balance point shifted far enough forward that I noticed it affecting my weapon manipulation during reloads and transitions. My support hand was working harder to control the rifle’s momentum. I’m not saying it’s unusable—I shot well with it. But I was constantly aware that I was fighting more mass than necessary for this platform.

The MRAD System Learning Curve

The segmented circle reticle made sense quickly—solid outer ring for fast acquisition at low power, detailed hash marks for holds at higher magnification. But every time I needed to make an adjustment, I had to mentally convert my MOA-trained instincts into milliradians. Three clicks up in my head translated to calculating the actual correction in a different measurement system.

After about fifty rounds, the MRAD adjustments started clicking. The 0.1 MRAD clicks were slightly coarser than the MOA scopes’ quarter‑MOA clicks, but the MRAD scale made holds intuitive once familiar. But for AR shooters already invested in MOA-based training and equipment, switching to MRAD creates friction. The scope itself works brilliantly. The measurement system might not match your existing skillset.

Zero Stop Features Actually Matter

After zeroing at 100 yards, I set the zero stop per Trijicon’s instructions. Later that session, I dialed up for distance work, made several corrections, then spun the elevation turret back down. It stopped rotating at exactly my zero point—couldn’t turn it further without pulling up on the turret. That’s a more secure zero-return system than the Vortex’s reset feature. There’s no way to accidentally dial past your zero and lose your baseline reference.

The capped turrets protect against inadvertent adjustments while still allowing deliberate dialing when needed. Pop the caps, make your correction, close them back up. It’s an appropriate design for a scope in this class where you’ll mostly use reticle holds but occasionally want to dial for precision work. The larger 34mm tube provides plenty of internal adjustment range—I had more than enough elevation travel to work comfortably within this magnification range’s realistic distances.

Red and Green Illumination Options

Five brightness settings in red, five in green. I defaulted to red for most testing because that’s what I’m used to, but the green option proved useful during one morning session where the rising sun created difficult backlighting. Switching to green gave me better contrast against the bright background. The illumination brightness maxed out lower than I’d have liked for harsh daylight conditions—it was visible, but not blazing the way some tactical red dots run. For dawn and dusk work, it was more than adequate.

Build Quality Without Compromise

This scope feels like it was built without cost constraints. The tube walls are thick, the turrets are solid with no play or slop, the magnification ring rotates smoothly with just enough resistance. I put approximately 80 rounds through it across three range sessions. Zero held absolutely—no shift at all, even after the same transport conditions that caused the SIG to move slightly. The finish showed minimal wear. Everything about this scope’s construction suggests it was designed to last decades rather than years.

Field Test Data

Test Parameter	Result
Zero Retention (3 sessions, ~80 rounds)	Zero shift: None detected
5-Shot Group at 100 Yards (8x magnification)	0.9 MOA from bipod
Low Light Image Clarity (civil twilight)	Usable target identification to 300 yards
Zero Stop Function Test	Perfect return to zero with mechanical stop
Glass Resolution Test (identifying .224″ holes at 100 yards)	Clearly visible at 8x without difficulty

Tested with: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II | Federal Premium 55gr FMJ

Pros and Cons

PROS Premium glass delivers noticeably superior image quality and low-light performance Zero stop provides secure mechanical return to baseline Robust construction suggests long-term reliability Red and green illumination options adapt to varying light conditions Fine 0.1 MRAD clicks enable precise adjustments

CONS Heaviest scope in test significantly affects AR-15 handling characteristics Premium pricing places it above most 1-8x applications’ requirements MRAD system creates learning curve for MOA-trained shooters

Performance Ratings

Learn more about how I test and rate scopes.

The Trijicon Credo represents what happens when a manufacturer builds a scope without meaningful cost constraints. The glass is genuinely better. The construction is bombproof. But for AR-15 applications where weight matters and you’re rarely shooting past 400 yards, you’re paying for capabilities you won’t use often enough to justify the premium and the handling penalty.

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How I Actually Tested These Scopes

I mounted all four scopes on my Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II—a basic but reliable AR-15 that removes variables from testing. Same rifle, same ammunition, same shooter. The only thing changing was the optic. Testing ran from late October through mid-November in central Texas, mostly at a private range outside Austin where I could shoot from 50 to 500 yards without interruption.

All testing used Federal Premium 55-grain FMJ ammunition. I went through approximately 350 rounds total across all four scopes—enough to establish patterns rather than drawing conclusions from small sample sizes. Each scope got mounted, zeroed at 100 yards, then run through multiple sessions that included close-range transition drills, precision work at distance, and low-light testing during dawn and dusk conditions. November in Texas gave me temperatures from the mid-40s at sunrise to the mid-70s by afternoon, plus varying humidity that let me confirm each scope’s fog-proofing claims.

I rejected two other scopes during this testing process. A Barska SWAT 1-8x had turrets that showed irregular tracking—adjustments sometimes moved point of impact correctly, sometimes moved it twice as much as they should have, with no consistency I could predict or work around. A Monstrum Tactical 1-8x completely lost zero after a single range session, shifting nearly four inches between the first and second day of testing despite careful transport. These failures weren’t unusual—they’re the reality of testing enough optics to find the ones worth recommending.

Beyond live fire, I ran box tests on each scope to verify turret tracking, transported them in the truck bed over rough roads to test zero retention under realistic conditions, and deliberately created difficult lighting scenarios to see how the glass and illumination performed when pushed. The bench rest collision I mentioned wasn’t planned—I knocked the rifle over while grabbing ammunition—but it became a useful durability test that showed which scopes could handle actual field abuse.

Get more information on how I test optics here.

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What Shooters Get Wrong About 1-8x Scopes

Assuming More Magnification Is Always Better

The jump from 1-6x to 1-8x sounds significant until you realize that extra magnification comes with tighter eyebox, more weight, and marginal practical benefit. Most AR shooting happens inside 300 yards where 6x is already more than adequate. You’re adding complexity and handling penalties to cover edge-case scenarios that most shooters encounter rarely. Unless you’re specifically shooting past 350 yards regularly, a quality 1-6x scope will serve you better than a mediocre 1-8x scope.

Ignoring the Focal Plane Choice

Second focal plane reticles in 1-8x scopes create a problem shooters don’t anticipate until they’re at the range. Your holdovers only work at one magnification setting—usually 8x—which means you’re either cranking to maximum power for every shot or doing mental math to compensate at other magnifications. First focal plane designs cost more and have thinner reticles at low power, but they let you use holdovers at any magnification. For a scope that’s supposed to be versatile, that versatility matters.

Overlooking Weight Distribution

Scope weight specifications don’t tell you how that weight sits on your rifle. A 24-ounce scope with most mass in the front half will make your AR feel sluggish compared to a 20-ounce scope with balanced weight distribution. When you’re evaluating 1-8x scopes, pay attention to where the weight lives—not just how much there is. An extra three ounces sitting over the receiver barely affects handling. That same three ounces hanging off the front of your handguard changes everything.

Expecting True 1x Performance

Marketing claims about “true 1x” rarely match reality. Most 1-8x scopes run slightly over 1x at their lowest setting—closer to 1.1x or 1.2x—which introduces enough distortion to disrupt both-eyes-open shooting for some users. The wider magnification range also tends to produce more optical compromises than narrower designs. If you’re counting on red-dot-like performance at 1x, test the specific scope before committing. Some come close. Many don’t.

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Your Questions Answered

Is 1-8x better than 1-6x for an AR-15?

Only if you’re regularly shooting past 300 yards. The extra magnification helps with target identification and precision at distance, but you’re accepting more weight and potentially tighter eyebox. For most AR applications—home defense, many 3‑gun stages, and most hog hunting in varied terrain—1‑6x delivers enough top‑end power without the compromises. Choose 1-8x when you know you need it, not because it sounds better on paper.

Do I need first focal plane in a 1-8x scope?

If you plan to use holdovers at varying magnifications, yes. FFP keeps your reticle subtensions accurate regardless of power setting, which matters when you’re transitioning between close and distant targets. SFP scopes work fine if you’re primarily shooting at one magnification or you don’t use holdovers. But FFP gives you more versatility across the 1-8x range, which is the whole point of choosing this magnification class.

What’s more important: low-light glass or light weight?

Depends on your primary use. For hunting at dawn and dusk, premium glass makes a measurable difference in target identification when light fades. For competition or tactical work in daylight, lighter weight improves handling more than better glass improves your hit probability. If you’re forced to choose, prioritize whatever limitation affects your most common shooting scenario.

Can I use 1-8x scopes for precision rifle competitions?

Not for dedicated precision work past 600 yards. The 1-8x magnification range is designed for versatility across close to moderate distances, not long-range precision. The scopes in this class typically have limited adjustment range, fixed parallax, and glass that’s optimized for field of view rather than maximum resolution. Use a proper precision scope with higher magnification and adjustable parallax for serious long-range work.

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Which Scope for Your Shooting Style?

For the weight-conscious AR builder: Primary Arms SLx wins without question. At 17.9 ounces, it’s light enough to keep your rifle balanced while delivering the FFP reticle and adjustment range you actually need. The ACSS Raptor reticle provides more usable features than simpler designs, and the price leaves room in your budget for ammunition and training.

For the feature-focused shooter who occasionally dials: Vortex Strike Eagle brings zero-reset turrets that work reliably, more forgiving eye relief that accommodates position variation, and brighter illumination that stays visible in harsh light. You’ll carry extra weight, but you’re getting functional advantages that make the rifle easier to shoot well across varying conditions.

For budget-conscious shooters staying inside 300 yards: SIG Tango-MSR delivers the widest field of view in this test and light weight that makes the rifle feel fast. The second focal plane reticle and limited adjustment range create real constraints, but if you’re shooting close to moderate distances primarily at maximum magnification, those constraints won’t affect you often.

For low-light hunters who prioritize glass quality: Trijicon Credo provides genuinely superior optical performance that extends your effective shooting time at dawn and dusk. The weight penalty is significant on an AR platform, but if you’re hunting from stands or blinds where handling speed matters less than seeing your target clearly in poor light, the glass quality justifies the mass.

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Disclosure

I purchased all four scopes tested in this guide with my own money through regular retail channels. No manufacturers provided scopes or compensation for this review. ScopesReviews is supported through affiliate commissions when readers purchase through links in my articles. These commissions don’t affect the price you pay and don’t influence my recommendations—I make more money when you buy expensive scopes, but I recommended the mid-tier Primary Arms as Best Overall because it performed best for this magnification class. My reputation depends on honest evaluations, not maximizing commission revenue.

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Final Thoughts

The Primary Arms SLx 1-8×24 FFP won this comparison because it solved the fundamental problem with most 1-8x scopes: they’re too heavy to handle like an AR should and too compromised to shoot like a precision rifle can. At 17.9 ounces with a first focal plane reticle that actually works across the magnification range, the Primary Arms delivered on the versatility promise that most scopes in this class fail to keep. The Vortex came close with better features but couldn’t overcome its weight penalty. The SIG proved that budget scopes can shoot well within their limitations. The Trijicon showed what premium glass looks like while also demonstrating why that premium rarely justifies itself on an AR-15 platform.

Testing these four scopes reinforced something I’ve known since my Bass Pro days: shooters often choose magnification ranges based on what sounds impressive rather than what they’ll actually use. The 1-8x class exists for specific scenarios—varied terrain hunting, competition stages that transition from close to distant targets, tactical applications where you need genuine versatility. If those scenarios describe your shooting, invest in a quality 1-8x scope with FFP design and adequate weight control. If they don’t, you’re probably better served by either a dedicated red dot or a narrower magnification range like 1-6x that does one thing very well rather than multiple things adequately.

For more scope recommendations  check out my guide on best 3-9x scopes. When you find yourself questioning whether you need more magnification, remember that the best scope is the one you’ll actually use rather than the one with the most impressive specifications.