Once you buy a new rifle, the next step is to buy an optic to go with it. Sometimes people want to buy a scope with high magnification, but this isn’t always the best choice. It is important to think of what kind of shooting you plan to do and then find an appropriate scope. The best 1-6x scope is versatile and can be an asset in a variety of situations.
What Are the Basics of the Best 1-6x Scope?
You can use 1-6x scopes in a variety of settings. A variable scope such as this allows you to have a wider field of view across a range of magnifications, so you can shoot moving targets at close-range up to more distant ranges. This works well for competition shooting, recreational shooting, getting rid of predators such as coyotes, and hunting game such as deer.
There are a number of features to look at when you choose this type of scope. You want something that is durable and rugged. If it is made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum, it should be O-ring sealed with a gas such as Nitrogen or Argon so that it is waterproof and fogproof.
You want a scope with a high-quality lens so that you can see your targets clearly. Fully multicoated lenses are ideal for the best brightness and clarity. You should also look at the reticle. In this magnification range, you want it to be an FFP (first focal plane) or a second focal plane reticle. This will help you compensate for windage and elevation.
The 1-6x rifle scope is one of the most versatile scopes you can buy. It is lightweight and compact compared to other scopes, which makes it easy to use and it won’t slow you down when you are hunting. You should look at the eye relief as well, which means having a larger eye box because you will have a larger field of vision and prevent injuries from recoiling.
You might also like: A slightly cheaper alternative to 1-6x are 1-4x scopes. Have a look!
The lens on this scope should give you a crisp and clear image, and it should be fully coated for maximum light transmission. When you are looking at the different types of 1×6 rifle scopes, these are all important considerations. This scope will work well for a number of different applications, and you are sure to find one in your budget.
What Is a 1-6x Scope Best Used for?
The 1x to 6x rifle scope can magnify images from 1x to 6x the size you see with your naked eye. This is beneficial because it covers a range of distances. As you move through the magnification levels, you will see the image grow from actual size (1x) all the way to six times (6x), which is six times the size of the original image.
At 1x, the 1-6x scope can come close to the target acquisition speed as a red dot sight up close. Even though, for most scopes, you will not have a true 1x as you do with red dots.
When you use it at 6x, you can shoot targets that are a few hundred yards away. The great thing about this scope is that it is so versatile, and it can perform a number of functions. You can shoot at close-range, in tight spaces, or at distances. It can work in competition shooting or hunting situations. It is categorized under Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO), and it offers optics that are no power to low power for a broad Field of View and quick target acquisition.
People often wonder the difference between red dots and scopes, and there are a few. The red dot is simple because when you look through the sight and see a target, the red dot shows you that you will be able to hit it. Red dot sights do not have magnification, so you are seeing the target at its actual size.
You can aim with both eyes open when you use a red dot sight, which does not work when you use a scope with magnification. The main reason to choose the 1-6x scope is versatility. You can see objects up close, but you can also use magnification to see objects that are a few hundred yards away. In this case, you can shoot targets that are up close as well as those that are a distance of a few hundred yards away.
What Are the Best 1-6x Scopes?
When you choose the best 1-6x scope, you are getting a versatile scope that can be useful in a variety of situations, including competitions, close-range shooting, and hunting game. You want to choose one that allows you to sight in on targets nearby as well as those at a distance. The scope should be well-made and durable, and it should offer different illumination settings. Here are some of the best 1-6x scopes on the market today.
Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm Riflescope
Leupold Optics scopes are among the best rifle optics you can find and the Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x24mm riflescope is no exception. They are known for quality and value, and they back all of their products up with a lifetime warranty.
This is a durable scope, and it is fog-proof, shockproof, and waterproof. It has been tested to make sure that it can perform in extreme conditions, including temperatures from -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, they test their products for impact resistance, so this is a tough and durable scope. You should be able to use it in any condition.
This VX-6HD 1-6x24mm riflescope comes with a ZeroLock CDS ZL2, which is a custom dial system. Elevation and windage can be adjusted within a range of 170 MOA. It is able to make longer shots easier because the dial eliminates the need for holdovers. It has Leupold’s Twilight Max HD Light Management system, which adds as much as 30 minutes of shooting light. It also offers glass glare reduction, and it has edge-to-edge HD clarity. It has an illuminated reticle, which is great for low-light conditions.
It has crisp turrets and a lock-and-twist dial system, and it has a self-leveling feature. The battery life is preserved because you can turn the reticle off when there isn’t movement detected. It has a fire dot, and the reticle allows you to have very bright and very dim lighting. The red dot is a fiber optic that is illuminated with almost zero parallax. However, the red dot shows you your target, and it makes it easy to use. It weighs just 134 ounces, which is very light for its class.
Pros:
- Excellent quality and value
- Rugged and built to withstand tough conditions
- Great reticle with settings for different light
- Red dot for target
Cons:
- Expensive
Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
Vortex is another well-known brand that offers high-quality scopes. The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6x24mm precision rifle scope is without a done one of the best 1-6x scopes you can get your hands on.
This rifle scope isn’t terribly light at 21.5 ounces, and it is 10 inches long. It has an eye relief of three to four inches, and it has an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. It also has an offsetting between each of the settings. The illumination turret locks, which prevents you from accidentally changing it while you are using it.
The scope has a unique anodized finish that protects it from scratches and damage, and it is a brown to plum color, which helps it to blend in for the shooter. The glass of the 1-6x24mm precision rifle scope is crystal clear, regardless of the distance of your target and lighting conditions. It appears as though you are looking directly at the target because the clear glass produces such a realistic image.
The magnification is 1x to 6x, and it is one of the most versatile on the market. It offers the standard elevation and windage ½ MOA adjustment turrets, which are protected by aluminum covers. You can adjust windage and elevation by overall 150 MOA.
In addition, it has a red dot illumination adjustment with 11 settings. It is also set to a 100-yard parallax, and it has an adjustable diopter focus.
This scope uses a reticle on the second focal plane, so it stays the same size no matter what magnification you are using. You can use it from zero light to very bright light and everything in between. It offers true 1x magnification. This scope is well-built, rugged, and durable, and it offers clarity, resolution, light transmission, and color accuracy.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable construction
- True 1x magnification
- 11 brightness settings
Cons:
- Heavy
Sig Sauer Tango 6 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
The Sig Sauer Tango 6 1-6×24 rifle scope was chosen by the US Army for its marksman rifles, and this civilian version offers incredible durability and accuracy for everyone. It has a magnification that ranges from 1x to 6x, and it is versatile for precise shooting from close range to longer-range distances.
The magnification on the Sig Sauer Tango6 is machined with traction for strength and durability, and it has a throw lever to make simple adjustments on the go. Whether you engage in close combat or long-range shooting, this scope will work for you.
In addition, this scope has a large ocular housing and lenses and it offers a large, bright field of view. You get excellent clarity due to the fast focus eyepiece that stays in place once you set it. It is IPX-8 rated for waterproofing, which means that it will work in most wet conditions, including rainstorms. You can have confidence using your scope in any conditions. The interior is also rated fog-proof, and the lenses are protected with a special coating that prevents any buildup of debris, moisture, or oil.
This rifle scope uses the Sig Sauer hex optical system, which gives you excellent clarity and performance, even in low light. It has a Hellfire fiber optics and glass-etched illuminated reticle, as well as innovative lockdown zero system turrets with zero stop and reset. It uses the first or second focal plane, and it has an intuitive rotation counter for long-range shooting. This is a rugged scope that is built to handle tough conditions, and it works well in many different settings.
Pros:
- High quality
- Rugged and durable
- IPX-8 rating for waterproof
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fogproof and shockproof
Cons:
- Expensive
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II
Vortex is a brand known for its craftsmanship, quality, and fair price point. The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 scope does not disappoint from this perspective. This is one of the favorite scopes for many shooting enthusiasts.
The first thing to look at in the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II scope is the glass. This scope uses glass that is crystal clear and of high quality. It is a matte black color, and it comes with a lens cloth, an Allen wrench, and a battery.
The illumination is bright, and you can adjust it with a knob on the left side of the body of the scope. It has 10 different settings, and you can shut it off between each one. It is easy to change the battery when you need to, and it has a parallax preset at 100 yards, which is not adjustable. You can use the turrets capped or uncapped, and the design of the scope protects them from turning by accident. They track well, and once you get the zero, you can place the cap on and leave them alone.
This Vortex Optics Viper PST gen II scope has a generous eye box at 1x and good reticle subtensions at 6x, so you get a range of functionality with it. The rifle scope has magnifications that go from 1x to 6x. They use a combination of a red dot and subtensions that makes it easy to use this scope for competition, hunting, and other uses. At the center, there is a bright red dot, and it works well in the bright sun. The quality of the glass is most noticeable early in the morning and in the evening. You are able to make positive identifications because the glass is crystal clear. This rifle scope is waterproof and fogproof, and it is rugged enough to hold up for all your needs.
Pros:
- 10 brightness settings
- Waterproof and fog-proof
- Armortek coating
Cons:
- Mount not included
Primary Arms 1-6×24 SFP Rifle Scope (Gen III)
The Primary Arms 1-6×24 SFP scope is an entry-level scope that works great for anyone who is shopping on a budget or looking for a versatile scope to get started with. They make scopes that are high quality and they inspect them thoroughly before they leave the factory to go to you.
People enjoy that the Primary Arms 1-6x scope has a duplex center dot reticle, and it offers generous eye relief that ranges from 3.5 to 4.9 inches depending on the magnification you choose. It has magnification ranging from 1x to 6x, and it is good for close to medium range shooting and hunting.
In addition, the rifle scope has a brightness knob on the left side of the tube that has 12 different brightness settings to illuminate the center dot. It is made with durable construction from aircraft-grade aluminum, and it is waterproof and fog-resistant. It has fully multi-coated lenses and has an adjustable ocular that leads to a sharp reticle. The glass is bright and clear, making the Primary Arms scope work in nearly all light conditions, and it is a great buy for people on a budget.
This scope features their patented Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle. It offers compensation for bullet drop, wind holds, moving targets, and range estimation. The sighting system is accurate and fast up to 300 yards, and still accurate from 300 to 800 yards. It has a second focal plane design that keeps the reticle the same size at all magnifications, which makes acquisition fast at low power and has advanced functionality at higher power.
It weighs a total of 16.9 ounces, which is an improvement over the previous model. It is also 18 mm shorter. The BDC starts at the tip of the Chevron and ends at the 800-yard mark. It is IP67 rated for waterproofing, and it is rugged and looks great. This is a great scope with a lot of versatility for anyone who is getting the first scope.
Pros:
- Comes with Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle
- Crystal clear glass and easy to target from a distance
- 11 levels of brightness that are easy to adjust
- Versatile and functional scope
Cons:
- Illumination can be dim in full sunlight
Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6×24
The Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6×24 scope is a tactical optic that allows you to shoot targets in close to mid-ranges.
It is made with aircraft-grade aluminum construction, and it has a 30 mm sealed, nitrogen-charged tube for resistance to fog and water. The scope has a custom-designed FFP (first focal plane) reticle that gives you faster range estimation and holdover correction.
The Monstrum G3 scope has locking turrets, including a ½ MOA click windage and elevation elements. It also has a zero-reset and locks in place to prevent slippage. It comes with an illumination control knob that makes it easy for you to control the brightness. All of these adjustment knobs are made of metal, which allows seamless transitions. The metal on the Monstrum G3 1-6×24 riflescope is covered in a hard-anodized finish, which makes it strong against scratches and other damage.
The Monstrum G3 1-6x24has fully multi-coated lenses, which reduce glare and loss of light from reflections. You get better light transmission and sharper contrast. The lens is in a fully sealed tube that is waterproof and fogproof. It has a custom-designed reticle and fully functional MOA markings that do not block your target, and the etched black reticle is always visible, even without illumination. It comes with flip-up lens covers as well, and it is a durable and functional scope for most people.
Pros:
- It has top-notch tactical optics
- The tube is nitrogen charged for fog and water resistance
- The illuminated reticle gives a bright sight picture
- It produces a super-clear picture
Cons:
- It uses a lot of battery
Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Riflescope
The Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i is without a doubt a great, if not the best 1-6x scope. It comes with an illuminated RRT-I reticle that is in the second focal plane. It has Swarolight technology, which provides automatic on and off illumination.
This gives you greater battery life. It comes with a smooth aluminum tube that has ring mounting. It has a wide field of view, which is 127.5 feet at 100 yards, and it has a bright sight picture. You can use this scope during low-light conditions as well as twilight.
You can keep both eyes open when you use the 1x magnification during close-range shooting. The 6x power works well for shooting targets that are further away. It is waterproof and fogproof, and it operates at temperatures from -4 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is rugged, durable, and tough. It offers a wide Field of View, and the ability to zoom in for close-up observation.
This scope has lens coatings that increase light transmission, and there are micro-grooves on the edges of the lens elements that prevent reflections, so you get high-contrast images under all lighting conditions. The second focal plane reticle will flash when the battery is discharged. It comes with two batteries, one of which is a spare. It has a memory function that stores two different brightness levels, and the smart auto shutoff function helps tell the difference between night and day. The ergonomic brightness control allows quick access that you can manage even when you wear gloves.
Pros:
- Swarolight Technology helps to save the battery
- Wide Field of View even at 6x magnification
- Can keep both eyes open at 1x
- Memory function at two different brightness levels
Cons:
- Expensive
Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG Rifle Scope
The unique feature of the Trijicon 1-6×24 scope is its VCOG technology, which stands for Variable Combat Optical Gunsight. It uses a tritium fiber optic reticle that will adjust brightness automatically based on the ambient lighting. It is best known for not needing batteries.
This scope has 1x to 6x magnification, and it includes a number of reticles that are caliber specific. It comes with the horseshoe reticle and the segmented circle reticle, and they both contain horizontal stadia for bullet drop at the distance that is labeled. In addition, it has two different mounting options. One is a double thumb screw mount, and the other is a quick-release mount with a lever.
The VCOG 1-6x scope makes it easy to see targets at 6x. The reticle to target ratio remains constant, and the size of the reticle increases as the magnification increases. It is easy to adjust the turrets, and the clicks are audible and tactile. You can feel the changes as they happen.
You have five different distances for engagement, and changing magnification power is immediate and effortless because there is an integrated dial fin. You can change the magnification rapidly, and it is very easy.
In addition, the segmented circle reticle works well for targets that are of average size. This is a high-end optic that does an excellent job. It is particularly excellent for three gun competitions and precision shooting because it is tough and durable.
Pros:
- VCOG is durable and robust
- Engineered with a first focal plane reticle
- Crystal clear at all magnifications
- Excels at both short- and long-range shooting
- Comes with two mounts
- Six brightness settings
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t include lens caps
Simmons Predator-Varmint 1-6×24 Riflescope
The Simmons 1-6×24 Predator/Varmint scope is one that is worth considering when you need a 1-6x scope. It is made with quality construction, and it has adjustments that are easy for anyone to use. You will be able to sight in on your targets and shoot them pretty easily with this scope.
It has multiple coated lenses, and they reduce reflection and glare and allow you to see your target easily. Your target will appear bright and clear through this lens.
It has turrets that are easy to adjust with your fingers, and you get precise and fast adjustments. This makes it easier to sight in on even a smaller target at a distance. It has an illuminated reticle, so you can shoot in environments with lower light. You can use it in densely wooded areas, and it is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof. It offers a generous 3.9 inches of eye relief, and it is easy to access the side parallax adjustment.
People find this scope to be an asset because it is easy to use and has great features. The reticle is illuminated and it works well in all different light situations. You can use it at dusk or dawn, and you will be able to see your target clearly. At close 1x magnification range, you get great eye relief, so you can move your eye up to 3.9 inches away from the scope.
Pros:
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
- Generous eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses for reduced reflections and glare
- Easy to adjust turrets
- Illuminated reticle
Cons:
- Heavier than other scopes
Nikon Black FORCE100 1-6×24 IL Force-MOA
This is a great 1-6×24 riflescope scope that will work well for targets that are in close quarters or at extended ranges. It has a broad range of magnifications from 1x to 6x, it has a new reticle design, and it has increased ergonomics that make it easy to adjust and use.
Nikon has a Glass First engineering principle, and you can see targets free of distortion with both eyes open at low power, and you will find that you can aim precisely at close and extended ranges.
This 1-6x scope has a 30 mm tube made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum that is durable and tough to withstand any conditions. It is low profile with capped turrets, and it has hold offs for the wind. It is purged with higher Specification Argon Gas for complete reliability against thermal shock as well as internal fogging. It also has a Single Screw Zero-reset and side-mounted illumination control.
This scope has an aluminum quick focus eyepiece and generous constant eye relief. It also has a FORCE MOA reticle that is a multifunction glass-etched reticle on the first focal plane that is designed to enable continuous momentum shooting targets at close to medium ranges. This is a quality scope that is built to handle the elements and the conditions when you are out shooting.
Pros:
- Wide Field of View of 111 feet at 100 yards
- Durable illuminated reticle
- Constant eye relief
- Excellent clarity
- Argon purged for reliability against shock and fog
- One-piece tube construction makes it lightweight
- Use both eyes at 1x magnification
- Maximum strength and durability
Cons:
- Can be hard to adjust knobs
Conclusion
When you are looking at the best 1-6x scopes, you have a lot of choices on the market. You can find them ranging from inexpensive models that are heavy and less reliable to expensive models that make it easy to sight in on targets quickly and efficiently. The key is to determine your budget and then buy the best scope in that range. You can actually find great entry-level 1-6x scopes that are reasonably priced.
Once you know your budget, look at the different features to find the best 1-6x scope. You will want to consider the reticle, and how bright the target appears during the day. You want to be able to see the target well at twilight or dawn as well. The illumination is important, and you should find out whether it has a battery and whether it comes with a backup battery.
You should consider the quality of the build and the construction to make sure that it will hold up. Your scope should be built to last and durable. It should also be waterproof and resistant to fog, shock, and dust. This will ensure that it lasts for a long time.
A few other factors to consider are how it handles elevation and windage. This is especially important at further distances. In addition, you want to have eye relief at 1x magnification. This way you can shoot with both eyes open to keep your eye on the target and your surroundings.
The illumination of the reticle is important, and you want to have different settings so that you can shoot targets in a number of different environments. You want to be able to turn the knob and have it click into place, and it should easily stay on the setting while you are shooting.
You need to consider all of the options when you are looking for the right scope. It is important to learn about scopes so that you know what you are looking for. Consider the type of shooting you do so that you can focus on the features that are most beneficial for you. If you do a lot of shooting in low light, then the illumination will be particularly important. You can choose the scope that is ideal for your needs.
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