The right scope can make a world of difference, whether it’s for hunting, professional shooting, or plinking. If you are on the hunt for the best 1-6 scope, you have stumbled upon your go-to guide. These scopes are packed with numerous features, making them perfect for a variety of shooting situations.
The best 1-6 scope recommendations are versatile, durable, and able to shoot at short to intermediate distances with pinpoint accuracy. They have rightfully earned their place in the shooting arena.
However, selecting the appropriate scope can be perplexing. This is because there are so many on the market. That said, there is bound to be one that aligns with your needs and preferences, and we are here to help identify it.
We will dive into the best 1-6 scopes, including their specifications, pros, and cons. We have also included some tips to shepherd you towards making a wise buying decision.
Key Features to Look for When Buying the Best 1-6 Scope
Before purchasing a scope, be keen on these features:
Optical Quality and Performance
A scope with sub-standard lenses will result in frustration and missed targets. Clear glass helps you stay on target and see much more clearly and quickly. The best 1-6 scope has high-quality lenses, although it depends on the specific model.
High-quality, fully multi-coated lenses offer the best results, ensuring clear views from first to last light.
Adjustments
To get on target faster, you need convenient and accurate windage and elevation adjustments. Consider getting low-profile capped turrets to minimize the chances of accidental adjustments.
Zero stop turrets also let you return to the default setting seamlessly, which is very convenient and much quicker than manually turning the dial to recalibrate each shot.
Build Quality
Scopes are often exposed to rough conditions. A quality model should withstand such wear and tear and come back for more over and over again. This means that the best 1-6 scope should be made to last.
Look for one constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. This ensures longevity of use by ensuring it tackles whatever comes its way. The optic you choose should also be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Weather conditions are unpredictable, and you have no control over the environmental conditions you encounter, so your scope should be ready for anything.
Eye Relief
This is the distance at which your eye needs to be away from the scope so you can see through it clearly. Extended eye relief is generally better, especially for higher recoil weapons, as it protects you from a scope bite. Getting hit in the face and a black eye from your scope is certainly not entertaining.
However, some scopes for rifles with lower recoil are better with short eye relief as it helps you get a good cheek weld on the stock, stabilizing your firearm.
To be on the safe side, get a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief.
Mounting System
The best 1-6 scope should have a sturdy mounting system to ensure it remains firmly attached to your weapon. A firmly attached optic will maintain accuracy no matter the number of rounds you put through it.
Some shooters prefer quick detach mounts as they are robust yet provide the ability to detach quickly.
Reticle Type
Some reticles are more straightforward and have no hashmarks, which makes them suitable for hunting. Others, like the BDC, are more complicated and are used more for pure accuracy.
Crosshair reticles are suitable for those who value simplicity or small-caliber guns. This can enhance your range and accuracy, which is great for varmint hunting. However, they are least effective for defense or tactical scenarios.
MOA and Mil-dot reticles are also great for small-caliber guns. They offer a reasonable bullet drop suitable for hunting. However, they are not ideal for high-powered guns.
Some scopes have illuminated reticles, which are advantageous for hunting and tactical scenarios. They are versatile and enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
Focal Plane
Reticle placement is also important, in addition to the type. First, focal plane reticles change their appearance depending on the magnification level, which makes them more consistent and better for accuracy. They are great for shooters who major in longer-distance targeting.
On the other hand, second focal plane reticles retain the appearance at all power levels, which makes them a good option for those who tend to stick with one magnification level. They are generally cheaper than the first focal plane designs.
The reticle placement is a trade-off you will need to bear in mind before picking a 1-6 scope. This is because it completely changes the behavior and appearance of the scope as you increase or decrease the magnification.
Best 1-6 Scopes
Now that you have essential tips to think about before settling for a model let’s review the top-ranking models:
1) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is the best 1-6 scope. It is feature rich and guarantees to change your shooting and hunting experience for the better.
The Apochromatic system ensures superior color correction and excellent image clarity, reducing chromatic aberrations and enhancing overall visual fidelity. Each lens is precisely positioned for maximum sharpness and brightness, providing clear, high-contrast images throughout the magnification range.
The lenses are coated with Vortex’s proprietary XR Plus anti-reflective coatings, which maximize light transmission for the brightest and most vivid images possible. The cutting-edge Plasma Tech applies a durable lens coating, enhancing scratch resistance and durability.
The reticle remains the same size throughout the magnification range as it is on the second focal plane, providing precise aiming points at all zoom levels without covering the target.
The illuminated center dot ensures rapid target acquisition in low-light conditions, enhancing accuracy and speed. The locking illumination feature prevents accidental adjustments, maintaining your preferred settings.
The device is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof to survive the elements. The hard anodized finish provides a low-glare matte surface and superior corrosion resistance, maintaining the scope’s appearance and functionality.
The ultra-hard, scratch-resistant ArmorTek coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt. The fast-focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing, ensuring you can rapidly acquire your target.
Features
- Locking side illumination
- 30mm tube
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Second focal plane
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard anodized finish
- 4 inches of eye relief
- Shockproof
- All-weather reliability
- HD lens
- Optically indexed lenses
- Erector tube system
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Super easy to adjust
- The glass is crystal-clear
- Illuminated reticle
- Built as a tank
Cons
- No throw lever
2) Trijicon Accupoint 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The Trijicon Accupoint 1-6x24mm riflescope has dual illumination technology that uses fiber optics and tritium. This allows you to see the target clearly, day or night, without the need for batteries.
The simple duplex reticle provides a fine crosshair and fiber optic dot, keeping your target in perfect view. The innovative illumination dial allows you to control the brightness of your aiming point and take your shot confidently in low light when the tritium kicks in.
Trijicon’s Bindon Aiming Concept allows you to shoot with both eyes open. This increases your awareness of the surroundings, increasing your chances of taking down the target.
The scope housing is made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Use it in any environment, condition, or application, and it will come back for more. It is also waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, further cementing its status as an all-environment, all-conditions scope.
The lenses are fully multi-coated to increase the level of light transmission, leading to brighter and clearer images. The 30mm rings and quick-release mount are handy and make installation on your favorite firearm a breeze.
Features
- Fiber optics/tritium illumination
- Lenses have a full multi-coating
- Bindon aiming concept
- Aircraft-grade aluminum formation
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Second focal plane
- Fixed parallax
- 30mm tube
- Matte finish
- Capped turrets
- Simple duplex reticle
Pros
- Super clear, bright optics
- Battery-free illumination
- Built well
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- High-end price
3) Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The lenses of the Primary Arms SLx are fully multicoated to maximize light transmission and reduce glare, resulting in clear, bright, and high-contrast images. This ensures a crisp and detailed view of your target.
The Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle is optimized for .22LR and remains the same size across all magnifications. This makes it easy to use and highly effective for quick target acquisition and precision shooting.
The reticle features red illumination with 11 different brightness settings, allowing optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. This ensures that the reticle is easily seen whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or low-light environments.
The scope comes with a CR2032 battery, ensuring that the illumination system is ready to use straight out of the box.
This best 1-6 scope is made from a single piece of 6063 aluminum, which makes it both lightweight and durable. This provides robustness and long-lasting performance.
The hardcoat anodized matte finish offers superior resistance to scratches and corrosion, maintaining the scope’s appearance and functionality even in harsh conditions.
It is waterproof and fogproof. The above qualities ensure it is operable in any environment. The windage and elevation turrets of this best 1-6 scope are tactile and audible. They are easy to adjust without becoming slippery.
Features
- Matte black anodized finish
- Red illumination with 11 settings
- ACSS reticle
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Full multi-coating on the lenses
- Shockproof
- 3 to 3.5 inches of eye relief
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane
- Weighs 16.9 oz
- Includes a CR2032 battery
- 5 MOA adjustment click value
- LED illumination
Pros
- Intuitive reticle
- Superb glass
- Tactile windage and elevation turrets
- Ease of use
Cons
- The reticle is challenging to see at low magnification
4) Sig Sauer Tango MRS 1-6x24mm Riflescope
Another strong competitor is the Sig Sauer Tango MRS 1-6x24mm riflescope. It offers an exceptional combination of optical clarity, innovative features, and rugged reliability.
This best 1-6 scope brings to the table a high-performance 6x optical system that provides a versatile magnification range, ideal for both close-quarters and mid-range shooting scenarios.
The low dispersion glass leads to outstanding color fidelity and sharpness, minimizing chromatic aberrations for crystal clear images across all magnifications.
The scope has an integrated thread-in throw lever, allowing quick and easy magnification changes. Ease of adjustments is vital for any scope as it leads to fast execution in the field.
The MSR BDC-6 reticle is illuminated for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions. With 11 brightness levels, users can easily adjust the illumination to match their environment and preferences.
The Tango MRS is built to withstand harsh conditions and offers dependable performance in all environments. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, ensuring reliability in the field.
Features
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane
- 5 MOA adjustment click value
- Weighs 18.5 oz
- Hardcoat anodized finish
- A throw lever for easy power changes
- 11 reticle illumination settings
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Shockproof
- Fixed parallax
- Low dispersion glass
Pros
- Superior optical clarity
- Impressively bright reticle
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Eye relief could be better
5)Barska 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The Barska 1-6x24mm is a high-performing mil-dot scope that meets the needs of those looking for precision at close quarters and long ranges. This exceptional device features a reticle that illuminates in both red and green, enhancing versatility. Both are integrated to provide better visibility, even in low-light or no-light conditions.
The lenses are fully multi-coated for remarkable viewing clarity. This enables you to aim at your target quickly and easily.
The easy-grip external locking windage and elevation restrict the knobs from unwanted adjustments for stay-put accuracy. The turrets have 1/2 MOA adjustment graduation and are capped for protection. The side adjustable parallax is also included in the scope’s design, which heightens accuracy.
When it comes to construction, this best 1-6 scope is extra-rigid and is made to last. Its shockproof feature makes sure it doesn’t disintegrate when faced with harsh recoil or rough terrain. Moisture, dust, debris, and fog are kept at bay as the riflescope is fully waterproof and fogproof.
It comes with a cantilever mount for installation and flip-up caps for shielding the lens from the elements.
Features
- 7 inches of eye relief
- Side adjustable parallax
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane
- Illuminated Mil-dot reticle
- Fully multi-coated
- Black matte finish
- Glass-etched reticle
- Capped turrets
- 5 MOA adjustment click value
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Clear glass
- A mount and flip-up caps are included
Cons
- Installation might be tricky for some users
6) Athlon Optics Cronus BTR Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The lenses of the Cronus BTR Gen II are fully multi-coated with advanced coatings, maximizing light transmission and providing bright, clear, and high-contrast images. The ultra-high-definition glass ensures stunning clarity and sharpness, reducing color fringing and delivering true-to-life color fidelity for an unparalleled viewing experience.
The XPL coating protects the lenses from dirt, oil, and scratches, ensuring that your optics remain clear and pristine even in challenging environments.
Construction-wise, this best 1-6 scope is formed from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it heavy-duty, efficient, and able to withstand rough use and handling.
This riflescope is designed to perform reliably in any condition. It is weatherproof, shockproof, and fogproof, ensuring it remains operational in harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and rugged terrains.
The exposed turrets allow for quick and precise adjustments, allowing shooters to make accurate corrections on the fly. These turrets are designed for ease of use and reliability in the field.
The precision zero stop feature allows you to return to your original zero setting with confidence and ease, providing consistency and reliability in your shooting performance.
Features
- Argon purging for fogproof integrity
- Advanced fully multi-coated optics
- UHD glass
- Exposed turrets
- 1/2 MOA adjustment graduation
- 6 to 4 inches of eye relief
- Waterproof performance
- Matte finish
- Glass-etched reticle
- Locking turrets
- Precision zero stop system
- Recoil proof
Pros
- Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Smooth focus and magnification adjustments
- Solid construction quality
Cons
- Clarity decreases with an increase in magnification
What Is a 1-6 Scope Good For?
The 1-6 scope can do almost anything. Close-up shots at 1x are almost at the speed of a red dot. Cranking up the 6x lets you hit targets several yards away. The scope is good for whatever you put it up for, be it hunting, competition, or plinking.
What Range Is a 1-6 Scope Suitable For?
The scope is ideal for shooting at close to medium ranges. It is accurate and precise out to around 300 yards. At 1x magnification, it functions almost like a red dot sight, providing a wide field of view for quick target acquisition and situational awareness in close-range engagements. When dialed up to 6x magnification, it offers sufficient zoom to engage targets accurately at longer distances, making it a versatile choice for hunting, tactical applications, and competitive shooting.
Final Remarks
Our detailed review has made it clear that finding the best 1-6 scope doesn’t have to be tedious. All the details and tips about the scopes are provided above and you can go through them to make a better decision. Which scope are you picking?
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