The best 1-6x scope can significantly increase your accuracy.
But to qualify as the best, it needs to have a wide field of view, clear glass throughout all magnification settings, and it needs to be durable enough to hold zero after hundreds of rounds.
Few optics meet that standard, but after testing dozens 1-6x scopes and Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs) over the past five years, I’ve found the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 to be the best among them.
For a $300 optic, the glass is really good. It has very minimal side distortion at 1x and great clarity at 6x.
The reticle is a BDC (bullet drop compensation) which makes it easier to shoot longer range shots. It’s also illuminated (great for dusk/dawn) and etched. So if the battery dies, the reticle is still useable.
I’ve been using this optic for the past three years for target shooting, plinking, and competition. And the zero has never shifted once.
This is my go-to 1-6x scope and it’s also the best AR-15 scope and optic on the market.
If you can spend a bit more money for better glass and a brighter reticle, I’d get the Vortex PST II.
It has generous eye relief, little-to-no distortion at 1x and 6x, and a nice thin reticle that is day-time bright. It also holds zero like a champ.
This is the optic I currently use on my comp rifle, and my recommendation for the best-bang-for-the-buck LPVO.
- EXPORT CONTROLLED ITEMS: These items are controlled for export and may require an export license from the U.S. Government. Buyer acknowledges that Buyer is responsible for obtaining all export...
- Variable 1-6x magnification second focal plane scope features the ACSS Standard reticle for 5.56 .45.308
- ACSS reticle combines BDC, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation in an easy to use system
The Primary Arms SLx is very similar to the Strike Eagle:
It has clear glass, illumination, etched reticle and holds zero well. The biggest difference between them is the reticle. The SLx uses an ACSS reticle which, in my opinion, is easier to use at shorter and longer range distances.
Highly recommended if you’re on a budget. But keep in mind this scope is usually out of stock — it’s one of PA’s best selling optics.
If you’re looking for the most premium 1-6 scope, then the Leupold VX-6HD is your eyes.
It has the clearest sight picture, no tunneling or distortion, the turrets are crisp and reliable, and a self-leveling feature that’s game-changing for distance shots. It’s also super lightweight (13.4 oz) and has generous eye relief.
If you got the money to splurge, I’d recommend investing in the VX-6HD.
Why a 1-6x Scope?
Because it’s almost as fast as a red dot sight.
Yep, you read that right. Here’s a head-to-head target acquisition test between a Primary Arms scope and a standard red dot:
Red dot is 3.15 seconds while scope is 4.05 seconds. Although that’s a 28% speed difference, you can get that number much lower.
Point is, if you choose the correct LPVO, it could be just as fast as a red dot.
But should you go with a 1-6x scope instead of a red dot?
Low Power Variable Optic vs. Red Dot with Magnifier
A low power variable optic (LPVO) and a red dot with a magnifier are very similar.
They both will enhance your ability to make precision shots and allow for fast target acquisition for close distance shooting. But which one should you get?
That depends on your use, starting with…
Magnification
The magnification you get with a red dot optic is going to be fixed at 1x.
This means they excel at close range up to 100 yards and are usually the top pick for close quarters combat. Which is why I use the best red dots for pistols.
With a LVPO you’ll get variable magnification, with the choice of 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x.
This means that not only will you be able to see your target close up, you can also change the magnification to see your target at distances up to 400 yards.
Reticle
The simple red dot reticle instantly grabs your eye and pulls it to the target. This makes it quick and easy to get on target and take your shot.
Red dots come with long battery life, which an LVPO illuminator doesn’t come close to matching, so you never have to worry about losing your sight picture.
However, eye issues such as astigmatism can distort the shape of the dot and make it harder to get a clear picture.
LVPO’s have a variety of reticle options that can give you much better accuracy, especially at medium and long range distances. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for the best scope for 308.
They usually can estimate the range, wind holds, moving target leads, and take into account bullet drop compensation. All on one reticle.
This means that once you’ve got it zeroed in, you’ll be able to make precision shots.
While most LVPO’s have illuminators to brighten the sight picture, the reticle is usually etched onto the glass, so even if the batteries die in the illuminator, you can still see your target during the day.
Additionally, red dot sights usually come with adjustable brightness settings for daylight and nighttime.
While it’s not like the best night vision scopes, red dots can be extremely useful in low light conditions.
Field of View
The best thing about the red dot is that you have unlimited eye relief.
You can keep both eyes open and don’t have to worry about head position at all. This is essential when you’re in a dangerous situation because it doesn’t limit your peripheral vision at all.
With most LVPO’s you have to deal with less eye relief.
While you can still have both eyes open with a true 1x LVPO, you’re going to be limited on your head position because of the eye relief.
You can maximize your eye relief by mounting your optic in the right spot for whatever head position you use the most often, but this really limits your mounting options.
Speaking of mounting options, I’m going to cover the best scope rings down below. Moving on…
Acquisition Speed
Finding your target fast is something that the red dot does really well at close range.
At up to 100 yards, you’ll likely be able to take your shot a few seconds faster with the red dot. In a life or death situation, those few seconds can save your life.
With a lot of training on the LVPO, you can get very close to that speed though. After 100 yards, the LVPO really shines. You’ll be able to acquire your target much faster at an increasing rate as you go out to longer distances.
On that note:
I highly recommend checking out my latest review of the best long range scopes if you need to reach out further than 600 yards.
Price
You can find a quality red dot optic for under $100 now and even the most advanced is around $1000.
On the other hand, an LPVO will cost you anywhere from $300 to $3000.
One thing to keep in mind though, if you’re adding a magnifier on to your red dot, you’re going to be almost doubling the price. Which means the cost will be pretty comparable to a good LVPO.
Size
The red dot is going to be small and light on your rifle. This makes it easier to see around and for extended periods of use.
The LVPO is likely going to be around a pound heavier than the red dot. Plus, it’ll be bulkier.
This may not seem like a lot, but add it to your rifle and you’ll definitely be feeling the weight after holding it up for a while.
Magnifier Pros and Cons
Adding the best red dot magnifier can eliminate a lot of the factors that make a LVPO a better option.
First, it gives you increased magnification, making it easier to get an accurate sight picture at longer distances up to 400 yards.
You can also take it off when you don’t need it and it doesn’t affect your zero.
The problem with the magnifier is that it does decrease your peripheral vision. You can also only pick one magnification, so it’s not variable like the LVPO.
Another downside is that you now have limited eye relief and you’re spending more money, putting it on par with LVPOs.
So which Optic is Better?
To put it simply:
If you want something to put on your AR-15 primarily for home defense, then get a red dot. With a magnifier, you’ll be able to take it to the range for some target shooting as well.
However, if you prefer to have a more versatile scope that you can use for home defense, but also for hunting and long distance shooting, then get a low power variable optic
So to recap, with a red dot optic you get:
- Long battery life
- Smaller, lighter scope
- Quick and easy target acquisition
- Crisp, clear picture at 50-100 yards
- Unlimited eye relief and head positioning
With a low power variable optic you get:
- Variable magnification
- More advanced reticle options
- Better threat assessment abilities
- Quicker target acquisition at over 100 yards
- Precision accuracy at distances over 100 yards
- Better reticle sharpness for those with astigmatism
With all that said, let’s look at the best 1-6x scopes and LPVO on the market…
The Best 1-6x Scopes/LPVO
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x: Best Overall
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6x: Runner-up
- Primary Arms SLX 1-6x: Best Budget LPVO
- Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x: Most Premium
1. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x: Best Overall
When hunting in the woods, I always use a low-powered variable optic, and my first choice is the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x.
The 1x setting is perfect visibility at close range and the 6x is a clear shot to 250 yards.
What makes the Vortex Strike Eagle superior?
Let me tell you.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass quality is incredible.
There is no fisheye effect while adjusting the magnification, just a crisp image. The reticle illumination is very bright and eye-catching. I could see it clearly in full sunlight.
I absolutely love the BDC3 tactical reticle.
It’s useful at different distances without blocking your view. The center dot is for lining up center mass shots and the bullet drop compensator keeps you on target at all ranges.
Reticles like this are perfect for open landscape hunting where prey can show themselves nearly anywhere. The reticle is controlled with a fast focus dial that is easy to use in the field.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The only downside to this scope is the tight eye relief.
If you’re shooting <20ft, you’ll notice some fish eye and tightness. But anything further than that and you’ll be good.
In short: finding the proper eye relief can be challenging at first, but once you’ve found the right position, it’ll work wonders.
Durability
The Vortex Strike Eagle can take a beating, literally. I dropped it, whacked it, sprayed it with the hose. Works just fine and has no scratches or dings.
That’s because it’s made of lightweight aluminum and is nitrogen purged to prevent fogging or water damage behind the lens. The lens is fully multi-coated to protect the glass against scratches and scuffing.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are a bit hard to control. They stop between clicks if you aren’t careful. The good news is, they click audibly. Just make sure you listen to that click or else they might wiggle.
Each click is .5 MOA which I love. The small increments mean I can fine-tune my zero.
The turrets are zero resettable — a must-have for variable scopes. Plus, it’s super easy to adjust in the field.
Parallax & Magnification
The Strike Eagle has great versatility.
It can be used at 1x magnification in tight woods for close-range clarity. When you get up in your tree blind or move into an open landscape, switch over to 6x. I could see clearly out to 250 yards on the 6x setting.
Of course, sometimes the buck doesn’t cooperate. For long-range shots, I recommend packing a 17 HMR scope.
To switch back and forth between magnifications quickly, I bought a Vortex Throw Lever.
This scope is factory fixed to have no parallax at 100 yards. For all other distances, the knob adjusts well.
Mounting & Rings
The Strike Eagle didn’t come with any mounts, so I bought the Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Scope Mount.
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The ring is pushed forward slightly which improves the eye relief. It’s very lightweight and made of sturdy aluminum.
The scope comes with pop-up lens caps, which work great to protect your optic.
Summary
If you are looking for a low-powered variable optic, you can’t do better than the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24.
It has:
- Top-quality glass
- Zero-resettable turrets
- Accuracy up to 250 yards
- .5 MOA turret adjustment
- Tactical BDC illuminated reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
Like all Vortex scopes, it comes with a lifetime warranty. I speak from experience when I say Vortex has great customer service and will take care of you, no questions asked.
2. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6x: Best LPVO for the Money
With the best LPVO, you can hunt, plink targets, engage in CQB — you name it. But, this quality and versatility tends to come with a high price tag.
That’s where the Vortex Optics PST Gen II 1-6×24 comes in. It packs in all the features at a price that is affordable.
Here’s why it’s the LPVO for the money…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
First off, the glass on this scope is crystal clear.
The lenses are made from extra-low dispersion glass, which enhances image quality and color fidelity. Plus, they are fully multi-coated to increase light transmission, which is useful during those hours when the light is starting to fail.
Using this scope, I can clearly pick out my targets even at dusk.
The PST Gen II uses the VMR-2 MOA reticle.
This is essentially an illuminated duplex reticle with ranging and windage lines.
I really love this reticle because it takes the guesswork out of ranging and moving targets but still doesn’t clutter my view with too much extra information.
Plus, it’s a second-focal plane reticle, so it stays the ideal size when you zoom in.
The illumination on the PST Gen II is fantastic.
There are ten different brightness settings, and it switches off between each brightness.
So, you don’t have to dial in to the correct brightness from zero every time you power on the optic.
This is especially nice in a defense gun optic, because every second counts in a dangerous situation!
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Eye relief is right at 3.8 inches.
This is a great, comfortable distance. I’ve even mounted this on my 30-06 and had no issues whatsoever with scope bite.
RELATED: The Best Scopes for .30-06 Rifle
The eye box is a little tight, but not too unforgiving. As long as you’ve got good cheek weld, you should be good to go.
Durability
The PST Gen II is built like a tank.
It’s made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s made of strong stuff and doesn’t have any gaps or openings in the tube for moisture or dirt to get in.
Plus, it’s o-ring sealed and argon purged to be completely waterproof and fogproof.
And that lens coating we talked about earlier? It also helps protect the glass from scratches.
Basically, this scope is built to take any kind of punishment that you want to throw at it.
However, it’s a bit heavy at 3 pounds. But at the price point, you have to compromise somewhere, and I’ll take a little weight for all this quality and durability any day.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets on the Gen II are hand-adjustable and burled for easier gripping.
That said, they are pretty stiff. You don’t need any tools to make adjustments, but you will need a little bit of elbow grease.
But, here’s the thing: This optic is designed for fast shooting, and you should be using the windage and holdover lines on the reticle rather than making field adjustments. You really only need to use the knobs when zeroing after mounting the scope onto your rifle.
And speaking of zeroing, I was able to find my zero in just two groupings with this scope. And after several months and thousands of rounds, it held its zero.
Magnification
Here’s the real beauty of LPVOs: versatile magnification.
The PST Gen II gives you 1-6x variable zoom. This is ideal for close to mid range shooting.
At the lowest setting, the scope basically functions like a red-dot, which makes for speedy target acquisition.
Or, you can turn the magnification ring to zoom in for a longer shot. The zoom is nice and smooth, thanks to Vortex’s Precision-Glide Erector System. When speed is the name of the game, you don’t want to get hung up on your zoom dial!
Mounting & Rings
Unfortunately, the Viper PST Gen II doesn’t come with any rings or mounts.
So, I decided to go with the 30mm Aero Precision Ultralight Scope Mount. It fits perfectly and works with any picatinny rail.
Also, I wanted to keep my glass protected, so I invested in some Vortex Optics Defender Flip Caps. You’ll want size O-50 for the objective and E-10 for the eyepiece.
- Virtually indestructible, the Defender is the most versatile and durable flip cap on the market, this is the last flip cap you'll ever need
- A stainless steel spring flips the cap into multiple stop positions at 45 and 90 degrees
- Made in the USA
Summary
The Viper PST Gen II packs a ton of quality features into a LPVO at a fraction of the cost of the competition.
It’s got:
- Solid durability
- Incredible glass clarity
- Illuminated VMR-2 MOA reticle
- 1-6x magnification with smooth zoom
- 10 brightness settings with quick-on/off
And if all that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is covered under Vortex’s Lifetime Warranty.
So if you need a high-quality LPVO that won’t break the bank, the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 will work wonders.
3. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x: Best Budget LPVO
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is the best budget LPVO.
In fact, a Silver Tier rating was awarded to this very scope by The National Tactical Officers Association.
The SLx is the go-to LPVO scope that I’ve used for numerous rifle competitions. So trust me when I tell you this: the SLX was worth every penny I paid.
Interested? Keep on reading…
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is super clear, and crisp.
The SLX features Primary Arms’ exclusive, patented Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) 22LR reticle. It’s designed in the second focal plane meaning the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification.
This scope has a red illumination with 11 brightness settings giving you a wide range to select from, so you can hunt and shoot from dusk til dawn.
This came handy when I was hunting dark targets like raccoons, squirrels, and some other varmints in our area. It also worked well in shadier places like the woods.
The scope is advertised as BDC accurate at the highest magnification setting.
The reticle was calibrated using a standard 40 gr with a muzzle velocity of about 1200-1250 FPS. This calibration is based on the muzzle velocity and not the exact barrel length.
If the bullets are leaving your firearms at around this velocity, you shouldn’t have problems using this reticle.
I spent a lot of time testing this out with multiple types of ammunition. I’ve tried it on a CCI mini-mag 40gr, Federal automatch 40gr, and Aguila 38gr HP. The scope didn’t work as well as I had expected.
So what was the solution?
Use a ballistics calculator with the exact muzzle velocity of that load to get it to line up with your reticle. Worked perfectly for me!
On the other hand, the horseshoe and chevron made target acquisition quick and straightforward. It definitely outweighs that one minor drawback.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The SLX’s 3.3-3.5” of eye relief is excellent, and the eye box is forgiving.
It has a wide field of view. Even with both eyes open, shooting targets were quick and easy, just like the best scout scopes.
Durability and Weight
The SLX is about 10 inches long and weighs 16.9oz.
It may be on the heavier side, but it’s compact, sturdy, and well built.
The scope is constructed from a 6063 aluminum alloy. The tube is nitrogen purged and the lenses are fog resistant and waterproof.
The matte black finish is not only classy but held well to bumping, test drops, and scratches.
I’d also like to note:
The Primary Arms SLX is also one of the few but best .300 Blackout Scopes. I went into details on a separate review, check it out for more information.
Elevation & Windage
The elevation and windage knobs have an audible, crisp click.
A neat feature I like is the spare reticle illumination battery compartment under the windage cap for emergencies.
I was able to zero easily. I shot about 300 rounds with this LPVO scope at 50 yards using the tip of the chevron, and it was right on. It also held zero all throughout.
Magnification & Parallax
The Primary Arms SLX sports a variable 1-6x magnification, making this scope very versatile.
The glass on 1x power reminded me of Aimpoint’s red dots designed for CQB and short-range work.
It did have some fisheye but it wasn’t enough to bother me.
Although there’s no parallax adjustment feature, that’s not really necessary with a LPVO.
Mounting & Rings
Sadly, this scope doesn’t come with mountings and rings.
So I mounted the SLX on my Ruger 10-22 with the Vortex Optics Pro 30mm Riflescope Rings -1” Low Height. The combination worked great!
- The finishing touch to your rifle and optic combination. Pro Series rings combine rock-solid reliability and strength with high quality machining to ensure ultimate accuracy and consistency.
- Streamlined, lightweight and durable, these rings use four T-25 Torx-style socket cap screws for secure mounting.
- Fits Weaver and Picatinny Rails.
It comes with lens covers but it felt cheap to me so I replaced it with the Butler Creeks Caps (Eyepiece size: 17) (Objective size: 2A).
The SLX doesn’t come with a throw lever, so I recommend getting the Scope Throw Lever for Primary Arms 1-6×24 Scope.
- DOES NOT FIT RAPTOR/PLATINUM
- Fits Primary Arms 1-6x24
- Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum
Summary
If you’re looking for the best LPVO scope with an excellent compromise between close quarters shooting and more extended range, the Primary Arms SLX is your best bet.
Here’s why, its got…
- ACSS reticle
- 1-6x magnification
- Clear glass quality
- Second Focal Plane
- Great eye relief (3.3-3.5″)
- Durable and Weatherproof
Plus, the SLX is protected by Primary Arms’ Lifetime Warranty. If the SLX arrives with a defect due to materials or workmanship, or if normal wear and tear has caused the scope to malfunction, they will either replace or repair it.
For under $300, the Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 is not only an outstanding LPVO scope, but it certainly won’t hurt your pockets too.
- EXPORT CONTROLLED ITEMS: These items are controlled for export and may require an export license from the U.S. Government. Buyer acknowledges that Buyer is responsible for obtaining all export...
- Variable 1-6x magnification second focal plane scope features the ACSS Standard reticle for 5.56 .45.308
- ACSS reticle combines BDC, wind holds, moving target leads, and range estimation in an easy to use system
4. Leupold VX-6HD 1-6x: Most Premium
If you have money to splurge and are looking for the most premium LPVO you can buy, I’d highly recommend the Leupold VX-6HD.
It’s not only a great LPVO, but it’s one of my best shotgun sights. It’s durable, reliable, and has a slew of incredible features that just knock out the competition.
Read on and I’ll tell you all about it.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass on this scope is crystal clear thanks to it’s guard-ion optical coating. It comes with a flip back lens cover too so you don’t have to worry about it getting scratched.
The twilight max light management system makes this scope a must have when hunting during dawn or dusk.
Although it’s not the best night vision scope for AR-15, I was able to extend my twilight shooting by half an hour with nearly no glare from the setting sun. I nailed some shots I never would’ve been able to without it.
Probably my favorite feature on this scope is the ultrabright firedot duplex reticle. It lets you adjust the brightness with a button push, so I could see no matter what time it was.
It comes with a built in electronic leveling system. Anytime my scope wasn’t level, the reticle would blink letting me know. It was a breeze to adjust, and it’s saved my shot more than once.
During dawn and dusk, the visible aiming point made targeting simple and quick. No more second guessing and missing your target.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
It’s got a 3.7-3.82” eye relief. Pretty standard for a rifle scope and nothing exciting.
The eye box is forgiving, and it works well on every rifle I’ve mounted it to.
Durability
This thing can take a beating.
It’s got Argon/Krypton waterproofing and is also shockproof and fogproof. It’s ideal for any environment.
It’s a solid 30mm tube made of anodized aluminium, and at only 13.4oz, I don’t even notice it because it’s so light.
It’s got excellent battery life and has a motion sensor. After five minutes of not moving it, it’ll turn off. I didn’t need a battery pack like I did with some other scopes.
The best part is it immediately turns on as soon as you move it, so you get back to the hunt without delay.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are crisp, and audibly click as they easily turn.
It’s got a removable throw lever, which makes it amazing for long shots. Being able to make minute adjustments on the fly is a godsend.
The CDS-ZLZ dial locks in place once you have it centered, and zeroing is a breeze. Once your set, the lock ensures you won’t accidentally knock it off zero.
A really neat thing the company offers is a custom laser marked dial that you can order with your exact ballistics and specs. It’s completely free and offered directly through Leupold.
Parallax & Magnification
It’s 1-6x magnification with a 24mm lens. This is the first scope I’ve ever used that had a real, true 1 with no magnification at all.
Being able to use it that close made it great for hunting small game, and I love that I don’t need two different scopes if I want to shoot a rabbit and a deer in the same hunt.
I had no issues with tunneling or parallax, and the precision I had at 300 yards was insane.
Mounting & Rings
It doesn’t come with any rings or mounts.
So I used Leupold Rifle Rings…
…and Leupold STD base, and they work great.
- Model #50003 - Standard One-Piece Base Remington 700 RH-LAwith a Gloss finish
- Designed to match up with Leupold STD rings
- Forward part of the base accepts a dovetail ring, locking it solidly into position. The rear ring is secured by windage adjustment screws.
It comes with a flip lens cap to protect your glass, and it’s exactly what you need.
Summary
Sure, this optic costs a pretty penny. And it’s not for everyone.
But it’s got every feature I could think of wanting and then some. The precision is incredible and the high quality materials make it a thing of beauty. To recap it’s:
- Lightweight
- Super durable
- Made in the USA
- Illuminated FireDot Reticle
- Works well in low light conditions
It’s quickly become my favorite 1-6 scope, and the one I use on the majority of my hunts.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best 1-6x scope guide. So as a recap:
| Best 1-6x Scope/LPVO | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 | Overall | $300 |
| Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 | Runner-up | $600 |
| Primary Arms SLX 1-6×24 | Budget | $290 |
| Leupold VX-6HD 1-6×24 | Premium | $1,400 |
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which scope will you pick for your rifle? Or maybe you have a question about your setup.
Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
For the PA SLX, you mention it’s eye relief of 3.3”-3.5” is excellent, but later summarize one of its pros is “unlimited eye relief.” Could you clarify what you mean?
Thanks.
Oops, typo on my end – sorry! Just fixed it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Joe 🙂
Love the reticle showing the body of water. What model is that?
Would you recommend a scope for an air gun with max range of 150 yards for small games? Thank you.
I am curious if you have tried the Sig Sauer Tango and enter it would rate in comparison to your first pick.