Just what is a 1-6x scope you may ask. Simply put, a 1-6x riflescope provides magnification ranging from 1 to 6 with 1 being the lowest magnification and 6 the highest magnification. The higher the magnification, the bigger the magnified image will be especially at long distances.
Speaking about scopes, check out the popular scopes for these weapons:
Among the many types of scopes out there in the market, one of the main differences between them would be the magnification besides the eye relief, length, weight, etc… Hence, this is where a 1-6x riflescope comes in as a 1-6x riflescope comes at different lens sizes. For your information, among the 1-6x scopes, the popular one would be the 1-6x24mm which has 24mm objective diameter.
Therefore, don’t prolong any more of your time and check out this review for the best 1-6x scope.
Top 7 1-6x Scope Comparison Table
| Name of product | Length | Weight | Eye relief | Objective diameter | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Strike Eagle | 14" | 8 oz. | 3.5" | 24mm | $$$ |
| Monstrum Tactical | 9.4" | 1 lbs. | 4-4.5" | 24mm | $ |
| Primary Arms SFP Riflescope | 10.04" | 15.52 oz. | 3.3-3.5" | 24mm | $$ |
| Vortex Optics SE-1624-1 | 10.5" | 17.6 oz | 3.5" | 24mm | $$$ |
| TRUGLO Tactical Tru-Brite | 9.5" | 7 oz. | 3.75" | 24mm | $ |
| Millett Tactical BK81624 | 10.5" | 20.7 oz. | 3.75" | 24mm | $$ |
| Primary Arms scope w/ACSS | 11" | 15.52" | 3.3-3.5" | 24mm | $$ |
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6 x 24 AR-BDC Reticle
The first best 1-6x scope would be the Vortex Optics. The Vortex Optics 1-6x scope has fully multi-coated lenses that increases light transmission due to the multiple anti-reflective coatings for all air-to-glass surfaces.
The second focal plane reticle maintains the same ideally-sized appearance. At the highest magnification the listed reticle subtensions can be used for estimating range, accurate holdover and wind drift correction.
Meanwhile, the glass-etched reticle will protect in between the two layers of glass for optimum durability and reliability. The illuminated reticle will give precise aiming under low-light condition. The Vortex single-piece 30mm tube maximizes alignment. This feature will improve accuracy as well as offer optimum visual performance.
The waterproof Strike Eagle scope has 1-6x magnification with objective lens diameter of 24 mm. The eye relief is 3.5 inches and the field of view is 116.5-19.2 feet at 100 yards. The turret style is capped while the adjustment graduation is 1/2 MOA.
The travel per rotation is 44 MOA and the maximum elevation and windage adjustment is 140 MOA. That is +70 and -70 from zero. Therefore, if you use a 20 MOA mount then theoretically you will move that to +50 and -90.
The Strike eagle 1-6x scope weighs 17.6 ounces and the purchase includes removable lens covers (flip caps), lens cloth and a CR2032 battery. The scope can be set at separate magnification such as 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x since there are no definite clunky stops between magnification levels. The reticle illumination has a total of 11 settings from barely to full illumination which can range anywhere from 1X to 6x.
The parallax setting is at 100 yards and since this is a 1-6x power scope you don’t really need a reflex sight. The 1x magnification can act like one. The centered halo promotes quick target acquisition. On the other hand, the popular 5.56 mm cartridges are subtended by the illuminated, glass-etched AR-BDC reticle.
The 1-6x scope is designed for CQB and probably at maximum of 300-400 yards. Generally, a 20 MOA mount is for long range applications 500+ yards. From outer appearances, the scope seems very well-built.
The knurled focus knob till the little low profile bump on the zoom knob will assist you in changing your zoom. The windage and elevation adjustments click positively and the body of the scope seems capable of taking a couple bangs and some light drops.
However, if you are inside a small room, you will notice a bit of fish eye with this scope. Nonetheless, you can still use it with two eyes opened. It is a true 1x from there on out once you get a little further away about 20 feet or so.
Also, the illumination isn’t as bright as most of you would want it. You can still see your reticle in red although not very eye catching. As a side note, make sure your cheekweld is consistent. It will be important if you want to get a correctly centered, full field of view sight picture when you are looking through the scope.
Suitable for:
- Dual use for shooting tactical / hunting
- Quick target acquisition in close quarters scenarios
- Engage targets from point-blank out to extended ranges
- Logging some range time
- Speed and versatility
Monstrum Tactical 1-6×24 First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope
The second on the list of best 1-6x scope review would be the Monstrum. The high precision Monstrum 1-6x scope has 24mm objective lens with an eye relief of 4-4.5 inches.
The optic is functionally designed as first focal plane rangefinder reticle. The design will provide easy-to-read ranging information which regardless of magnification remains constant. The consistency will help for faster range estimation and holdover correction.
The dial controlled reticle illumination is available in both red and green with multiple brightness intensities. This will offer better reticle visibility at night or in low light environments. Plus, the 1-6x scope is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum with a 30mm sealed, nitrogen charged tube for water and fog resistance.
The purchase of this best 1-6x scope includes set of offset scope rings along with a detachable honeycomb filter sunshade. There is also a set of bikini-style see-through lens covers, a felt drawstring carrying bag included with a lint free cleaning cloth and one CR2032 3V battery.
The Monstrum best scope has resettable zeroes and turret locks to prevent slippage. The 30mm diameter tube requires a pair of heavy duty 30mm diameter scope rings. The outside diameter of eyepiece is 41mm. Meanwhile, the objective lens segment outside diameter is 30mm.
The FFPS1624-R scope weighs 1 pound. The scope rings can be mounted to any flat top Picatinny or Weaver rail equipped rifle. Meanwhile, the free detachable anti-reflective honeycomb filter sunshade is useful to help conceal your position for reducing outward glare from your scope lens.
Furthermore, the lens covers will protect your scope lenses when not in use. In case of storage and transport of your rifle scope when unmounted, the felt drawstring carrying bag will come in handy. For cleaning and maintenance of your scope lenses you may need a cleaning cloth which fortunately is included as well.
For powering your scope’s reticle illumination you don’t need to search high and low for the battery as it comes along readily with the purchase. The 1-6x optic is available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, or Metallic Dark Earth based on your preference.
On the flip side, on high magnification the reticle is a little fuzzy which may be attributed to the FFP design where every flaw in reticle etching is magnified. Rather than being functional, it is more of an aesthetic issue.
The 1-6x scope may add some extra weight but the optical clarity is good considering the price point. The great thing though is that I didn’t notice any washout of clarity around the edges when I set into 6x. Also, the eyepiece is adjustable to accommodate for various eyeballs.
If you are going to shoot at the far end of the 5.56’s realistic capability, 500+ yards for an example, this 1-6x scope may not be the ideal choice as you will probably want something with more magnification. It’s worthwhile to mention however that at 1x with the illuminated reticle on, essentially you will have a red-dot like view.
Suitable for:
- A variety of close to mid-range applications
- Close quarter tactical situations
- Plinking at the shooting range
- Hunting at distances up to 400+ yards.
Primary Arms 1-6X24mm SFP Riflescope
Third best 1-6x scope review will be Primary Arms. The Primary Arms optic is equipped with patented advanced combined sighting system reticle (ACSS) which has 11 brightness settings. The purchase of the second focal plane scope is backed by lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
The Primary Arms 1-6×24 scope has bullet drop compensation, wind holds, moving target leads and range estimation seamlessly integrated for easy to use and instinctive sighting system. The second focal plane reticle will keep the same size at all magnifications. At low power, the design will offer quick acquisition and advanced reticle functionality when you zoom at 6x maximum power.
The Gen III is 18mm shorter (10.04in long) and weighs 1.88 ounces less (15.52 oz. total) when compared to the older model. There is also an additional 10 MOA of internal adjustment. The ACSS® reticle features a chevron center aiming point rather than a dot.
An included CR2032 battery provides partial red reticle illumination and there is a spare located inside the windage turret cap to be used when needed. As a side note, the battery type is CR2032 3V Lithium Coin. The 11 brightness settings of the reticle range up to daylight till bright.
All lenses were fully multicoated for maximum light transmission. The aluminum body is hard anodized in matte black. On top of that, flip-up lens covers are included.
The click value is 1/2 MOA while the exit pupil diameter is 9.00mm at low and 4.00mm at high. Meanwhile, the eye relief is 3.50 in. at low and 3.30 in. at high. At low, the field of view at 100 yards is 110.00 feet and 19.30 feet at high.
Unfortunately, the optic is non-compatible for night vision. The objective diameter is 24mm and the reticle is ACSS Standard 5.56 / 5.45 / .308. The 30mm tube has clear glass and making out targets at distance is not an issue.
The eyebox (eye relief) on this scope is very limited at 6x so you would have to align almost perfectly behind the scope and be precise if you factor in the distance between your eye and the optic. In my opinion, I do wish it had a larger eye relief window.
You might need some additional work for the reticle illumination. This is because I noticed that the illuminated reticle is beginning to fade/dim within 5-10 minutes of use while I am shooting in daylight conditions. So, during daylight you will have to use higher illumination settings unfortunately in order to get the best contrast between the reticle and black or dark targets.
The illumination is recommended since shooting a black/dark target using a black reticle is not an option. I prefer if the Gen III had additional enhancements in eye relief and illumination stability but that can be tolerated since the holdover marks at 6x magnification were about spot on.
It’s almost as easy to acquire targets as it is with a red dot using 1x (more like 1.2x) power. Of course this will depend on the mount but it required only a click or 2 of fine tuning. It seems that Primary Arms pre-zeroed this scope at 100 yards.
Suitable for:
- Quick acquisition
- Advanced reticle functionality
Vortex Optics SE-1624-1 Strike Eagle 1-6×24 AR-BDC
The next 1-6x scope review would be again Vortex Optics. Vortex Optics fully multi-coated the lenses to increase light transmission by applying multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. The second focal plane reticle will maintain the same ideally-sized appearance.
At the highest magnification the listed reticle subtensions are ideal for estimating range, accurate holdover and wind drift correction. Meanwhile, the glass-etched reticle is protected in between two layers of glass to provide optimum durability and reliability.
On the other hand, the illuminated reticle offers precise aiming under low-light condition. The single-piece 30mm tube is waterproof and the purchase includes a free Vortex hat which I am pretty sure will be quite useful when you are out on the range during a hot and sunny day.
You may be asking yourself why Vortex should be the choice you are going to make. There are several reasons why and one of them is that Vortex uses dense optical glass painstakingly designed, shaped, and polished to eliminate flaws.
Due to the sophisticated optical designs, don’t be surprised by the brighter, sharper, more colorful image. Also, if you are willing to pay a little extra for superior construction, then this scope will be the right choice. the 1-6x Strike Eagle is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and rigidity.
On the other hand, the fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing. The O-ring seals will prevent any moisture, dust and debris from penetrating through the riflescope to ensure reliable performance regardless in all environments.
The 1-6x optic is also fogproof over a wide range of temperatures as the nitrogen gas purging prevents internal fogging. Plus, the rugged construction withstands recoil and impact so it is shockproof as well. In addition, in order to help camouflage the shooter’s position, Vortex Optics has also opted to do highly durable low-glare matte finish.
You can re-index the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope by using the capped reset turrets. External protection for turret is provided by the caps. While 24 mm is the objective lens diameter, the eye relief is 3.5 inches.
Moreover, the field of view is 116.5-19.2 feet at 100 yards. Adjustment graduation of this best 1-6x scope is 1/2 MOA and the travel per rotation is 44 MOA. For elevation and windage adjustment, the maximum will be 140 MOA.
Parallax setting is 100 yards and the overall length of this best scope is 10.5 inches and weighs 17.6 ounces. Should the illumination run out due to dead batteries, unlike a red dot, the etched reticle will take over to assist you which is the feature I like about this scope.
Within a hundred yards, I managed to shoot consistent sub-MOA groupings. However, on high power, the illumination is good but there is a red ring visible around the exterior of the lens. Probably, it won’t be noticed much in the right light.
If you plan to use it frequently, I would have preferred illuminating just the center dot. The zoom is a little tight and may require you to use a lever.
Suitable for:
- Speed and versatility
- To engage targets from point-blank out to extended ranges
- Logging some range time
TRUGLO Tactical Tru-Brite 30 1-6×24 IR Scope Package Black
The 30mm tube 1-6x scope also holds one of the place as the best 1-6x scope. The TRUGLO 1-6x includes two pre-calibrated BDC turrets in calibers .223 and .308. They are to engage targets up to 800 yards away.
The scope comes along with reversible, offset, monolithic 30mm scope rings or mount that is CNC-machined from aircraft grade aluminum. The windage and elevation adjustments are 1/2 MOA while the objective lens is a bright 24mm.
The center ring is adjustable and offers red and green illumination. Just be sure to check all mount bolt torque since the ones I had on my tube came loose after about 20 rounds. Also, since it’s a second focal plane optic, the reticle will not change size as you change the magnification.
The distance to the target affects the POI and the reticle shouldn’t move as the power changes. The selected power should have minimal effect on the POI. Usually, you would have to adjust it for a distance of 50 yards if you want to zero the scope.
In my opinion, one of the disadvantages of this best 1-6x scope is that the reticle is pretty big. Furthermore, I had to tighten it up all the screws that were loose. Even though there are several disadvantages, there are advantages as well for this scope. At 100 yards I had little trouble getting a solid sight picture.
The reticle covered about 50% the man size target at 100 yards. Don’t expect much though in terms of clarity. If you insist on clarity of the glass then I will suggest any other products. You can expect however for this scope to hold a little over 300 round down range with it on as I did.
The riflescope might be a little heavy but worth the weight for the build quality. Plus, the glass is clear with a good radical though the knobs are a little mushier. Still, it is capable of holding zero even after 300 rounds.
If you shoot using .223 55 grain ammunition, then dial your target range out to 800 yards using the calibrated BDC turret before pulling the trigger. If not, you can swap that turret for a .308 168 grain calibrated turret.
Done in half MOA (Minute of Angle) clicks which is contrary to the usual ¼, the windage adjustments give positive clicks. Although I won’t say that the windage adjustments are perfectly accurate, you can’t deny that you can find the same issues on other scopes too.
I would like to warn you beforehand that this isn’t the product you are looking for if you want a precision riflescope. If we disregard that fact I would say in this best 1-6x scope review that this product works great for the price range.
Suitable for:
- Half MOA (Minute of Angle) clicks
- Two pre-calibrated BDC turrets in calibers .223 and .308
Millett Tactical BK81624 Designated Marksman
The best 1-6x scope review continues on with Millett. The Millett 30mm aluminum tube riflescope is equipped with locking exposed target turrets as well as illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. This allows you to see your target clearly even in low-light conditions.
The magnification offered is 1-6x and the objective is 24mm. The true 1x scope enables quick target acquisition with both eyes open at low power. As a side note, the BCR-1 reticle is calibrated to .223/5.56 ammunition which is capable of providing hold over points out to 500 yards.
The lenses are fully multicoated optics to deliver ultra-bright, razor-sharp images. In my opinion, if anyone were to ask me about the best redeeming feature in this particular scope, I would probably pinpoint the turrets as they are not capped and could be locked.
For some, you might prefer the smaller BCR-1 reticle on the MILLET 1-6x riflescope rather than the bigger reticle in some other products. Don’t expect much on the optical clarity though for this particular product.
The eye relief would be 3.75″ and the total length is 10.5″. If you remove the plastic tab you will find a battery installed along with free scope caps. The glass is crystal clear and appears distortion free but you might notice some slight fisheye at 1x.
The etched reticle is crisp and has options from very dim to very bright when illuminated. Another big selling point for the Millett will be the ranged BDC marks on the cross hair reticle. For initial zeroing it was good enough.
Regarding the twist lock/unlock feature, some of you may express concern about inadvertently knocking them loose. For your relief, that seems unlikely as you would really have to knock the crap out of your rifle once the turrets are locked. Under normal use I don’t see them coming loose as long as you lock them properly.
One of the downsides with this best 1-6x scope is that it seems a bit heavy. It definitely adds some heft to the rifle. It might be worth consideration on a hunting or patrol rifle.
Along with the purchase you will get two flip up caps so you don’t need to buy a separate one for it. On the other hand, illumination or clarity is good and I didn’t notice any loss at the outer edges. Once you adjust the rear ocular the reticle is very crisp and doesn’t obscure.
As a side note, if you have astigmatism then this scope won’t bother you unlike the usual red-dot and other illuminated scopes. From 1 to 6 the magnification ring is smooth. Still, you will need to adjust the rear ocular in order to “focus” the recticle.
At the bottom of the turrets there are plastic rings to lock and prevent them from turning. Keep in mind that the turret turns too easily if you loosen them a tad too much and will move if the rifle is fired. Overall I am very happy with this scope.
Suitable for:
- Astigmatism
- Locking exposed target turrets
Primary Arms 1-6X24mm SFP scope w/ACSS
The last on the list of best 1-6x riflescope is the Primary Arms. The 7.62×39 reticle is designed for CQB and medium range shooting.
Meanwhile, using the included CR2032 battery, the brightness knob equipped to the left side of the tube will illuminate the center reticle through a cycle of 11 brightness settings. At 1-5x power, the second focal plane lens will give you quick target acquisition.
The ACSS reticle is for both 300AAC supersonic and subsonic loads. It is easy to use the sighting system at 6x power. Plus, the best scope is waterproof, fog resistant and it is further backed by a lifetime warranty.
Unfortunately, the illumination on this scope is available in red only. However, on the bright side, the 11 different brightness settings make it very visible even on really sunny days. The reticle is still usable and visible even if the battery dies.
This is because you can still use the cross hairs. Obviously, you can’t use it at night though when the illumination acts as the red dot. When power is off, the reticle markings are black. On the other hand, when powered, the chevron is red. As a side note, the chevron reticle is very fast to acquire.
The purchase comes with both caps that are ” 02A” size and Size 17 (1.675-Inch, 42.5mm). Although not distracting when shooting both eyes open, there is a slight magnification at 1x. The eye box is a little small but manageable at 6x.
Even though not a lightweight, illumination is crisp at low or high settings. I easily zeroed it at 50 yards. There is some barrel distortion around the edges within acceptable ranges but it is not much noticeable unless you’re looking for it. Plus, it doesn’t affect the overall sight picture enough to qualify as a factor.
I am a little skeptical regarding the magnification at 1 power. It doesn’t appear to be a true 1x but rather more like 1.2x. However, the magnification is so slight so I can still shoot comfortably with both eyes open without any problem.
The reticle is legible at all magnifications and the eye relief is good. Nevertheless, at brightness settings of 9-11, not just the reticle but the tube begins to glow red. At the highest setting, it appears a little distorted. Also, the flip up caps are flimsy.
I would suggest a magnification throw lever as a separate purchase to quickly switch from 1-6 power but it is up to you in the end if you want it or not. Battery life seems long even after an entire day of shooting. However, if you want to zero it at 200 or more, two clicks of windage adjustment is required to get it perfect.
To sum up this 1-6x scope review, the purchase of this best scope is pretty much a logical choice if you want a 1-6x riflescope since not many of the other manufacturers are catering to the specific caliber as far as a BDC scope.
Suitable for:
- Quick ranging
- Wind holds
- Moving target leads
Key considerations when purchasing a scope:
- Length
- Weight
- Length of eye relief
- Diameter of objective lens
- Price
Length
The length of the scope helps us to determine if the scope looks too big or small when installed on any of your firearms.
Weight
A heavy scope may add additional weight to your AR 15. This indirectly inhibits movements so make sure you choose the optimum weight for your scope.
Eye relief length
Long eye relief for scopes gives you an added advantage during shooting targets at long range or near point blank. Longer eye relief also allows more shooting positions. However, long eye relief may cause smaller magnifications and may appear bulky as a result.
Diameter of objective lens
The bigger the diameter of objective lens, the more the light that can pass through for a brighter image as well the image would be more detailed.
Conclusion
I hope these best 1-6x scope review has been useful for you to make the right choice.