Even as an experienced shooter, I can attest that you don’t have to be a professional to understand the vital role a suitable scope plays in achieving accuracy and precision.
Whether it’s for professional shooting, hunting, or just plinking, the type of scope one uses makes a significant difference. Selecting the scope that aligns perfectly with your shooting style and rifle can be a challenging task. This difficulty is especially true when choosing a model from the 1-6x category.
Today’s 1-6x rifle scopes come packed with a wide range of features, from a mil-dot reticle to coated lenses and optimal eye relief. As an avid rifle enthusiast, I’ve put many scopes through their paces. To assist you in your decision-making, I’ve put together a list of what I consider to be five of the best 1-6x scopes.
My Top Pick
Looking for a quick answer? After all the tests I’ve done, the Vortex Viper Gen II SFP is the best 1-6x scope for me. You can read its more detailed review below.
You can also check which are the best 1-8x scopes.
Why Should You Trust Me?
As an experienced shooter and avid rifle enthusiast, I’ve personally tested and evaluated numerous 1-6x scopes in various conditions. My hands-on experience allows me to provide authentic insights into each scope’s performance, strengths, and limitations. I’ve put these scopes through rigorous testing in real-world scenarios, from hunting trips to competitive shooting events, to ensure my recommendations are practical and reliable.
To create this guide, I conducted extensive research and hands-on testing of multiple 1-6x scopes. I compared their features, performance, and value across different shooting conditions and scenarios. My evaluation process included:
- Field testing each scope in various environments and lighting conditions
- Assessing optical clarity, durability, and ease of use
- Comparing reticle designs and illumination features
- Evaluating turret adjustments and overall build quality
- Considering price-to-performance ratios
I’ve also incorporated feedback from other experienced shooters and industry experts to provide a well-rounded perspective.
The primary purpose of this guide is to help fellow shooters and hunters make informed decisions when choosing a 1-6x scope. I understand the challenges of selecting the right optic, especially given the wide range of options available. By sharing my experience and insights, I aim to simplify the selection process and help you find a scope that best suits your needs and budget.
This guide is not influenced by any brand affiliations or sponsorships. My goal is to provide honest, unbiased information that truly benefits the shooting community. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the world of optics, I hope this guide serves as a valuable resource in your quest for the perfect 1-6x scope.
The 5 Best 1-6x Scopes
Besides a review of my top choice, you can find 4 other great scopes below.
1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6x SFP – Best Overall
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If you’re in the market for a fantastic 1-6x scope, Vortex Optics’ Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescope could be just the ticket. Here’s why.
My Feelings After Testing the Scope
For starters, this scope offers rock-solid performance and phenomenal light transmission thanks to its extra-low dispersion glass. The glass for the lenses boosts resolution and color fidelity, especially thanks to the XR coatings. During a recent hunting trip in low light conditions, I found that the clarity and brightness of the image were exceptional. In a nutshell, these coatings make light transmission as high as possible, while additional Armortek coatings provide ample protection. In my experience, these are some of the best lenses on the market.
The rest of the scope is also quite durable, featuring weatherproof performance. However, I noticed the heft of the aircraft-grade aluminum can be a bit cumbersome during extended use. It’s all made out of a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, meaning I was able to use it in wet and foggy environments alike.
The windage and elevation turrets, similarly, were excellent. These are laser-etched turrets, providing top-tier performance and adjustability. Compared to other scopes I’ve used, like the Leupold VX-R, the turrets here are more tactile and responsive. They can be stopped and reset to zero with a touch of a button, and they include fiber-optic rotation indicators. While hunting in a forested area, the quick reset to zero feature was incredibly useful for fast-moving targets. When I used this scope, they made it easy for me to know what my positions were for each setting. An additional parallax elimination turret rounds out the set, and it operates similarly.
Product Highlights
However, the highlight feature of the Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescope, for me, was the illuminated reticle. It’s a game-changer in dusk and dawn scenarios, where visibility is paramount. It features a variety of functional and intuitive holdover points. If you’re like me, this is great since it lets you estimate for bullet drop and bullet curve.
You can illuminate the reticle with 10 different settings, so you can always count on it being visible in any lowlight environment. I did find, though, that in extremely bright conditions, the illumination is less noticeable. More importantly, each of the illumination settings is distinct enough that it has a good hypothetical ambient light environment where it might be useful.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The one downside? It’s an expensive scope, to be sure. The Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescope is not budget-friendly in the slightest, so you’ll need some serious scratch in order to pick it up. To offset the cost, I recommend considering it as a long-term investment, especially for avid shooters who need reliability and performance. That said, if you are a firearm enthusiast for whom price is no object, I can’t recommend the Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescope enough.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent reticle
- Great lenses
- Durable construction
- Top-tier windage and elevation turrets
Cons
- Very expensive compared to other scopes
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Weight | 22.7 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.8” |
| Magnification | 1-6x |
| Field of View | 18.8’-112.5’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II SFP Riflescope is the go-to 1-6x scope, in my opinion. Its combination of durability, clarity, and performance features like the illuminated reticle and precise turrets make it a superior choice despite its higher price tag. Pick it up if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for top-tier quality.
My rating: 5/5
If you want just a bit extra magnification, see my Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 review.
2. Primary Arms 1-6X24mm SFP Riflescope – Best Primary Arms 1-6x Scope
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The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope Gen III has plenty of standout features and benefits, so let me explain what the scope does best.
My Feelings After Testing the Scope
At its core, this is a phenomenal rifle scope featuring waterproof and fog-proof functionality. Thanks to its aluminum body and matte black anodized finish, the SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope Gen III is a durable piece of equipment through and through, and you can count on it to serve you well in any hunting environment. During a recent hunting trip in a humid environment, I was particularly impressed with its fog-proof capabilities, which maintained a clear view throughout the day.
However, I was also very impressed with the illuminated reticle as well. This illuminated partial red reticle has 11 different settings, and it’s powered by a very common CR2032 battery (you can easily find these at the grocery store). That reticle has a variety of holdover points to calculate BDC, moving target leads, and more. In contrast to my Nikon P-Tactical scope, the reticle’s brightness and clarity were superior, especially in low light conditions. Depending on your preferences, this could be a bad thing.
The windage and elevation turrets, meanwhile, are tactile, audible, and very easy to adjust without becoming slippery. However, I found that in situations with rapid environmental changes, the lack of turret markings required extra attention and memory, which was a bit challenging. They aren’t marked, but it’s still a pretty good system for ensuring you can hit your targets at a distance. There’s a knob next to the elevation lever for you to adjust the illumination settings without taking your eye off the target.
Product Highlights
The most impressive feature of the SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope Gen III, however, is the upgraded optical system, which comes with an integrated magnification lever. This feature significantly outperforms the traditional magnification rings found on scopes like the Vortex Strike Eagle. The magnification lever lets you swap between different zoom settings quickly and easily. This is actually an invaluable feature..
In my experiments, I was using it much more than I thought, and it helped me switch between different zoom settings to keep tracking my target without missing a beat. Once you get used to the lever, you’ll find that it’s much easier and better to use compared to a standard magnification scope ring, which requires you to perform a more complicated process when lying prone.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The above-mentioned issue with the SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope Gen III is the lack of markings on the windage and elevation turrets. To mitigate this, I started using a small piece of tape to mark my settings, which helped but was not ideal. This is an ultimately minor flaw, but it is something to think about. Without markings, you’ll have to keep track of your windage and elevation positions in your head, which requires a higher level of experience compared to more beginner-friendly optics.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Integrated magnification lever
- Excellent reticle and lenses
- Good windage and elevation turrets for fast adjustments
Cons
- No windage or elevation turret markings
The Bottom Line
All in all, the SLX 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope Gen III is a good 1-6x scope thanks to its agility and responsiveness. While it has some minor shortcomings, such as the lack of turret markings, its superior optical performance and ease of use make it a strong competitor in its price range.
My rating: 4.8/5
If you are interested in scopes in different price ranges, check out my guides on the best scopes under $300 and under $500.
3. Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
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As I looked for the best 1-6x scopes, I found yet another Vortex Optics scope that made the cut: the HD Gen II 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope. Let’s take a closer look.
My Feelings After Testing the Scope
The HD Gen II 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope is a tan scope featuring durable construction from start to finish. Special coatings protect the lenses, while argon purging and special seals ensure that the scope will work perfectly well in wet or foggy environments. This robustness was evident during a recent rainy hunting trip where the scope maintained its clarity and functionality despite harsh conditions. I found this to be one of the most durable scopes I’d ever used.
Furthermore, the HD Gen II 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope boasts top-tier lenses in terms of light transmission. In comparison to the Leupold VX-6HD, I found the light transmission of the Vortex to be slightly superior, especially in twilight conditions. Those lenses are bolstered by a low-profile, locking illumination dial. That dial lights up the reticle with 11 different brightness settings. However, I noticed that in extremely bright conditions, the highest illumination setting could be overpowering. The reticle overall has a daylight-bright center dot, so it’s great for both long-distance and short-distance target shooting.
The windage and elevation turrets, meanwhile, are streamlined and zero resettable. While I appreciate their precision, I did find their lack of tactile feedback a minor inconvenience compared to more audible clicks in scopes like the Trijicon AccuPoint. They allow you to adjust for windage and elevation to a significant extent with every shift. They work well with the forgiving eye box and very generous eye relief. In my experience, these features helped me track my targets quickly, even if they were moving in and out of my field of view.
Product Highlights
The most impressive feature of the HD Gen II 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope is the APO optical system. This system’s performance is remarkable, offering sharper images than even the Burris MTAC 1-6x. In a nutshell, this special optical system has integrated lenses with multiple anti-reflective and durability-boosting coatings. More importantly, the lenses provided some of the best color contrast and brightness I’d ever experienced in my search for the best optics. Thus, the HD Gen II 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope is arguably the best 1-6x scope for daytime shooting.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Earlier, one of the Vortex Optics scopes was a bit expensive. But this optic blows that price out of the water. To justify the investment, I consider this scope more suitable for professional or competitive shooters rather than casual hunters. You won’t get this scope for less than $1200, even from a private seller. Because of this, it’s only a scope for hunters and firearm fans who are willing to spend top dollar to get the top equipment.
As if that wasn’t enough, the windage and elevation turrets aren’t clearly marked. That’s something of an unexpected downside, given the cost of the scope overall. For a scope so pricey, I usually expect that kind of flaw to be nonexistent.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Very good lenses
- Decent windage and elevation turrets overall
- Highly durable construction
- Has an illuminated reticle
Cons
- No windage and elevation turret markings
- Very expensive
The Bottom Line
In the end, the HD Gen II 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope is an expensive but highly effective optic I would recommend for the most quality-focused shooters. Its superior optical performance and robust build quality justify its price for those who demand the very best in their shooting equipment.
My rating: 4.8/5
4. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP
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Vortex Optics returns once again with this SFP rifle scope. It has a number of interesting features without being so expensive that it might break the bank.
My Feelings After Testing the Scope
The Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope caught my attention first because of the illuminated BDC3 reticle. Unlike other bullet drop compensating reticles, this one helps to focus your eye toward the target. This was particularly noticeable when I compared it to the more traditional reticles of the Nikon Monarch scopes, where I had to spend more time aligning my shot. When I experimented with the reticle, I found it to be engaging and intuitive to use, so it’s definitely a positive point.
In addition, the Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope features antireflective coatings on all the air-to-glass surfaces. These coatings were especially effective during a recent dusk hunting session, enhancing visibility significantly compared to my older Bushnell scope. That means better light transmission, better durability, and overall performance enhancements. The scope overall is quite durable, as it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is totally rated for water and fog-proof functionality. However, its robustness did add a bit of weight which was noticeable during longer treks. It’s even rated against recoil damage.
The windage and elevation turrets are tactile and offer audible feedback, though they aren’t marked. I found myself occasionally losing track of my adjustments during rapid firing sessions, which was a minor inconvenience. There’s also an integrated magnification swap lever near the top of the scope that lets you quickly switch zoom settings. While the lever’s position was initially awkward, I appreciated its smooth operation compared to the stiffer dials on some Leupold scopes. This was a useful feature in my experience, although I also had to get used to the lever being somewhat in my way.
Product Highlights
The Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope’s primary feature is the fast-focus eyepiece dial. This feature proved to be a game-changer in situations requiring quick target acquisition, like during a competitive shooting event I participated in. When I practiced with it, it helped me quickly and easily focus on the reticle. That’s an invaluable benefit when you hunt varmints or fast-moving creatures, especially at close range. It makes the rest of the Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope feel agile and adaptable for any hunting expedition you may take it on.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only issues with the Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope were those I’ve already mentioned: no markings on the windage and elevation turrets and the clunkiness of the lever. To counter the turret issue, I began using small colored stickers to mark my settings, which was a simple yet effective solution. All in all, though, those downsides aren’t worth giving up the Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope thanks to its relative affordability and excellent features otherwise.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Comes with a novel BDC illuminated reticle
- Excellent fast-focus eyepiece and dial
- Good durability and construction
- Relatively affordable
- Designed for resistance to recoil damage
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets don’t have markings
- Magnification lever can get in your way
The Bottom Line
The Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope is a top-tier 1-6x scope, especially when you consider the value you get for the price. Its combination of innovative features like the BDC reticle and fast-focus eyepiece, along with its robust construction, makes it a standout choice for both hunting and shooting sports.
My rating: 4.7/5
5. Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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Leupold’s VX-6HD 1-6x-24mm Riflescope certainly deserves special mention, although he warned that it is also among the priciest optics on the market.
My Feelings After Testing the Scope
When I started using the VX-6HD 1-6x-24mm Riflescope, I immediately found a lot to like. For starters, it’s 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, so it’s great to take on any hunting expedition you have in mind. During a recent elk hunting trip in damp conditions, the scope’s waterproof and fog-proof capabilities really shone, offering clear visibility throughout.
Then there’s the overall excellence of the windage and elevation adjustment turrets. In comparison to my previous experiences with scopes like the Bushnell Elite Tactical, the precision and clarity of the adjustments on the VX-6HD were a significant step up. Not only do these lock, but they can instantly be reset to zero. They are very clearly marked, too – many scopes don’t have any markings, but the VX-6HD 1-6x-24mm Riflescope makes it very simple for you to keep track of where you adjusted these dials previously.
The illuminated reticle is perfect for lowlight conditions. I found this particularly advantageous during early morning hunts, where the reticle’s illumination outperformed similar models in terms of visibility and clarity. I really appreciated the reticle when combined with the Twilight Max HD Light Management System. This proprietary system is exclusive to Leupold scopes, and it gives you about 30 minutes of extra shooting light between dusk and dawn.
The edge-to-edge HD clarity also adds to the overall exceptional performance and visibility offered by this scope.
Product Highlights
The most important feature of the VX-6HD 1-6x-24mm Riflescope is, by far, the ZeroLock CDS-ZL2 or custom dial system. This system truly sets it apart from standard scopes by allowing for a level of customization that is unmatched. Simply put, you can order your scope custom from Leupold. Then, you’ll receive a scope with an estimate/targeting dial that is customized to your rifle and preferred ammo type. Though it required some patience to set up, the payoff in accuracy and ease of use was undeniable.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As mentioned earlier, the VX-6HD 1-6x-24mm Riflescope is quite an expensive piece of equipment, so it’s out of reach for more budget-minded hunters. However, considering its durability and the cost-effectiveness over time, it represents a sound investment for serious hunters or shooters. Thanks to its durability, it should last you for a very long time to come.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Can be custom ordered to fit a specific rifle and ammo type
- Excellent light transmission and lens clarity
- Gives you extra shooting light
- Durable and long-lasting
- Windage and elevation turrets are phenomenal
Cons
- Very expensive
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x-24mm Riflescope is a pricy but very much worth it 1-6x optic. Its unique features, like the ZeroLock and the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, provide an unparalleled shooting experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize quality and precision in their optics.
My rating: 4.8/5
Frequently Asked Questions
What range is a 1×6 scope Good For?
It is suitable for shooting at near and medium range distances. It’s accurate and precise out to a distance of at least 300 yards. This scope is also functionally designed for its first focus plane reticle, which allows for easy reading of details regardless of magnification.
How far is a 6x scope?
A scope set at 6x will make a deer standing at 200 yards (600 feet) look like it’s just a bit more than 30 yards away (100 feet to be exact). It shouldn’t be difficult to aim at an animal that appears as though it’s at 30 yards—most of the time.
Is 6x too much for hunting?
In hunting situations, 6x will be too much long before it will be too little. 6x is about perfect for stand hunting. If it is what you like, go with it. Of course, with all hunting, you should choose what is most comfortable and easiest for you.
How far back should a 1-6x scope be mounted?
Three to four inches is a good starting point. On each new scope, you must focus the eyepiece (ocular lens) and hence the reticle. To see the reticle clearly, point the scope at a flat surface a few yards away.
Are 1-6x scopes accurate?
The fact that 1-6x scopes are extremely accurate makes them ideal for target shooting. The user can use this scope to precisely aim at the target. It features a 1x magnification feature that makes it simple to aim items from a vast distance to a short distance. Scopes also have a lot of eye relief.
What is the difference between 1-6x and 1-8x scopes?
The size difference is the most noticeable; the 1-6x is 10.5 inches long, while the 1-8x is 10 inches long. As a result, 1-8x scopes are lighter and easier to transport.
What is the difference between a 1-6x scope and a red dot sight?
You’ll enjoy eye relief and better vision with a 1-6x scope. You can achieve the most accurate hits if you combine it with the right reticle. The red dot, on the other hand, has merely a red dot to aim at the target, as the name implies. You won’t have any eye relief, so you’ll have to use it like a binocular. Furthermore, a red dot is frequently thought to be erroneous.
Final Thoughts.
When it comes to rifle shooting, you can never go wrong with a scope that can guarantee you both precision and accuracy. And it’s the 1-6x’s reliability that makes it so very popular
But picking the right 1-6x scope that can fit you the best is difficult, however, I hope that my guide today was able to help you with your decision.
Till next time!
You can also check which are the best scopes for M4 carbine, Mosin Nagant and rimfire rifles.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.