If you are looking for an all in one scope, 1-6x scopes are just what you need. That is because, for close combat, it is just as good as a red dot, and with 6x zoom, you can aim hundreds of yards ahead.
But finding the best 1-6x scope is the actual challenge. With so many brands and models on the market, picking one that really is durable, has good optics, and yet affordable can be tough.
But don’t worry, we at ScopeExpert have you covered. We reviewed 5 1-6x scopes that are worth every penny in 2023, so you don’t have to go around looking for hours.
If you would like to make an instant purchase and know about 1-6x scopes, here’s a summary of our top picks:
- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x (Budget 1-6x Scope)
- Vortex Viper PST II 1-6x
- Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS
- Vortex Optics Razor
- TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30
In case you need a little more detail than that, check out the table below for a brief comparison of all the 1-6x scopes.
Best 1-6x Scopes for 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vortex Strike Eagle | • Ideal 1-6x scope for budget buyers • BDC and illuminated reticle for precise aiming • Capping can be removed from the turrets if needed | View Price |
 | Vortex Viper PST | • Excellent image quality at any magnification level • Ideal for shooting at distances of about 600 yards • Illuminated BDC reticle for precise aims in any lighting conditions | View Price |
 | Primary Arms | • Better image quality than the Vortex Strike at 1x or 6x magnification • Illuminated BDC reticle is great for accurate shots in low light • Nitrogen purging prevents the lens from fogging up | View Price |
 | Vortex Optics Razor | • Illuminated BDC reticle helps with precise aim • Excellent durability thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum build • Get great visuals at 6x magnification thanks to XR plus anti-reflective coating on the lens | View Price |
 | TRUGLO TRU | • The cheapest 1-6x scope on the list and costs less than $200 • Weighs just 2.2 lbs and thus easy to carry anywhere and everywhere • Illuminated reticle helps in low light | View Price |
But if you have an eye for the details, this section is for you. Let’s dig into it.
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x (Budget 1-6x Scope)
Vortex is one of the leading brands in the scope industry mainly because they combine excellent durability and functionality with affordable prices, and that’s just what the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x is all about.
For a cheaper 1-6x scope, the optics are impressive. While you might notice some blurring as you crank up the magnification, it is way better than others in this price range.
And at 1x, you will barely notice any distortion on the side making this great scope to hit accurately at distances of about 300 yards or for close combat.
This clarity is mainly because of the multiple layers of anti-reflective material that coats the lens to improve light transmission. Plus, there are 11 brightness levels to choose from, ensuring the scope works in any lighting condition.
Adjusting the magnification is easy thanks to the smooth dial that is placed at a perfect distance, so even if you were to leave the scope cap on, it doesn’t get in the way.
Capped turrets have both pros and cons, but with the Vortex, you can enjoy the best of both worlds as they can be removed, in turn, allowing them to adjust on the go when needed.
And if you leave the caps on, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the zero as the gun can hold it for months or even years even with constant movements, mounting/dismounting, etc.
Another reason these are so easy to adjust is that they come with clear markings and numbers.
Furthermore. To ensure accurate shots, the reticle comes with markings for bullet drop compensation. Plus, it is illuminated and works pretty well at dusk and dawn, though keep in mind, it doesn’t match a red dot.
You also don’t have to worry about the lens fogging up or moisture build-up thanks to the nitrogen purging while the sealed o-rings keep the dust and water out, so even if there was slight rain or you drop in a puddle, it should work just fine.
And while you might not want to drop it too hard, it can easily handle a few bumps thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum. But in case you do have a problem with it, no problem, Vortex scopes are backed by a lifetime guarantee which means most repairs and replacements cost you nothing.
Pros
- Bullet drop compensation markings increase accuracy
- 11 brightness settings for low light conditions
- Illuminated reticle works well at dusk or dawn
- Nitrogen purging prevents fog build-up on the lens
- Aircraft-grade aluminum build makes it very durable
- Capping on turrets can be removed if needed
- All dials are smooth and easy to adjust
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Costs less than $500
Cons
- There’s some distortion at 6x magnification
- Not suitable for a range above 300 yards
If you are looking for your first scope and don’t want to spend a bomb, use scopes occasionally for hunting or at competitions with a range of fewer than 500 yards, this is everything you could have asked for.
2. Vortex Viper PST II 1-6x
If you would only settle for something premium and have the big bucks to spend, the Vortex Viper PST II is my top pick, and here’s why.
Where the Vortex Strike Eagle lacks the Viper makes up. That means whether you are at 1x magnification or 6x, the distortion is minimal, allowing you to shoot longer distances with ease.
Even the lens is more premium and comes with additional layers of anti-reflective coating to give you better sight in low light. And playing a helping hand with it are the 10 brightness settings.
The reason I say more premium is because it is an extra-low dispersion glass tailor-made to provide better resolution and sharp colors. In other words, you get HD quality visuals.
But that’s not all.
Even if you were to drop the scope, the lens and the body remain undented (no not even a crack or a scratch). That is because the lens also has an Armortek anti-scratch coating which also keeps out dust, dirt, and oil.
As for the body, it has the same aircraft-grade aluminum as the previous pick, which makes it rock-solid and also waterproof, ensuring it lasts you for years even if it were submerged in water. Plus, there’s the lifetime warranty that makes it a risk-free purchase.
I love the reticle as well, mainly because it is the closest you will come to a red dot. That means it stays illuminated whether it is bright and sunny or low light, ensuring your focus remains right in the center.
Plus, it also has bullet drop compensation markings while forgiving eyepiece is another plus as it helps you focus in quick time.
Oh, and it is an SFP reticle which means it maintains the same size irrespective of your zoom, unlike FFP reticles that become smaller at lower magnification and making it difficult to take long-range shots without magnification.
The turrets are smooth, so you should have no trouble turning them with minimal effort but on the downside, not all of them have numbered markings, which means you need some experience to get it exactly. Thankfully though, the magnification ring has numbers eliminating any guesswork.
Another drawback here is the turrets are capped, and these caps cannot be removed, so making changes on the go is tough. Though on the bright side, it provides added protection to the turrets.
Pros
- The premium lens provided HD quality images
- The reticle has markings for holdovers and windage corrections
- The illuminated reticle is ideal for low light conditions
- Capping provides turrets added protection from damage
- Turrets are smooth, thus easy to adjust
- Excellent durability and it is waterproof
- The lens has an anti-scratch coating
- It has a forgiving, quick-focus eyepiece
- Ideal scope for shooting at distances of 600-650 yards
- Nitrogen purging ensures no fog build-up on the lens
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Capped turrets mean adjustments while moving is difficult
- Not all dials are marked clearly
- On the expensive side
Costs around $1000 but considering the optics quality that allows you to shoot distances of 600 yards with ease and the durability, which is backed by a lifetime warranty, it is well worth every penny.
3. Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS
If you want something cheaper than the Vortex Strike Eagle since you rarely use a scope or are just starting, you will be happy to know that the Primary Ars 1-6x ACSS costs less than $300.
But I didn’t include it on the list only because of its low price, it can pack a punch as well.
Firstly, if you are hesitant about buying a cheaper scope, Primary Arms has you covered. That is because their scopes are also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Another concern with low-costing products is durability. You do not want your scope to break, scratch or the dials to get stuck while you are out in the wild, right?
While it doesn’t have the durability of the Vortex, it still stays strong against a few bumps and is scratch-resistant. Just make sure you do not drop it too hard or leave it submerged in water for too long.
Talking about the optics, I was pleasantly surprised and you will be too. At 1x, there was no distortion even on the sides. At 6x, there was some distortion but still better than the Strike Eagle which means it outperforms the Vortex Strike Eagle on this front.
I like the reticle as well, which has an arrow that helps with precise aims while the bigger, darker circle plays a helping hand with it. Oh, and it is a BDC reticle (Bullet Drop Compensation) which means shooting up 300 yards is a breeze.
Plus, the reticle is illuminated and thus great for dusk and dawn.
To top it all, if you buy him from the official website, you can choose either free rings or a single-piece mount at a cheaper price, further ensuring value for your money.
As for the turrets, that’s the Achilles heels of the scope.
They were a little hard to adjust in the beginning and needed a little more pressure than I would have liked. Plus, they are capped and do not have any markings on them, which means first-time users might need a little practice to master precise adjustments quickly.
Pros
- Better clarity than the Vortex Strike at 6x
- Costs less than $300
- Great scope for shooting at a distance of 300 yards
- Comes with an illuminated BDC reticle
- Arrow in the reticle provides great accuracy
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Get free rings or mount when purchased from the official site
Cons
- Turrets are hard to adjust
- No numbered markings on them
- Average durability needs to handled with care
4. Vortex Optics Razor
From Vortex comes another excellent, high-quality scope that is tailor-made for long-range shooting. Here’s what I like and hate about the Vortex Optics Razor.
Firstly, the optics are amazing. Whether you are in low-light, bright light, you get crystal clear images and all the power over the brightness with 11 settings that take seconds to adjust with the conveniently placed dial.
In simpler words, you can easily aim at targets that are 600-700 yards out. That is because its lens has a special XR plus anti-reflective coating to get the job done.
If you are paying the big bucks, you want the scope to make aiming easy, right? And that is just what the reticle helps with as it gives details regarding holdover, bullet drop, windage, etc.
Then there’s also Nitrogen purging which ensures you never have to worry about the lens fogging up irrespective of the weather outside.
Then there is the quick focus eyepiece as well. Oh, and did I tell you the reticle is an SFP reticle? That means even aiming without magnification is easy.
As for the build, it is another rock from Vortex. The aircraft-grade aluminum means you can use it roughly and it still won’t crack or break. You can even leave this one submerged in water for about 4-5 minutes.
Even the lens doesn’t scratch after years of use as it has the special Armortek coating, which does an amazing job of keeping out scratches, oil, and dirt.
The magnification ring and the turrets are smooth and require little pressure to change. Plus, it all holds zero well.
The only thing I am disappointed with considering the price range is that the turrets have no marking on them, but with a little practice, you’ll know exactly what you are doing.
Plus, they are capped and these caps cannot be removed.
Pros
- 11 brightness settings to choose from
- BDC reticle for accuracy
- Nitrogen purging keeps fog away
- It is waterproof and can remain submerged in water
- Excellent durability. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum
- Get excellent visuals even at 6x magnification
- Lens has an anti-scratch coating
- The reticle is illuminated and thus ideal for low-light
Cons
- Turrets have no markings
- They are capped.
- On the expensive side
5. TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30
Truglo is another very popular brand on the market that is known to manufacture pocket-friendly scopes with good features and their TRU-Brite 30 1-6x scope shows just that.
The display quality of the Truglo may not be at par with the Vortex, but you still get a pretty good display for the price.
Oh, did I tell you this costs less than $200? Yes, you can get a 1-6x scope that cheap making it the most affordable 1-6x scope on the market.
But it isn’t just the display you would be compromising on. Low durability is another drawback of the TRUGLO which means you want to be careful when hunting with this scope.
On the bright side, it is very light at 2.2 lbs, so you should have no trouble carrying it around in a backpack, and it doesn’t add to the weight of the weapon either.
It is also equipped with nitrogen purging, so your view will never be foggy with this once.
The leaf-spring turrets are smooth and easy to adjust but don’t have markings on them. Though I like the quick focus eyepiece and the illuminated reticle that make aiming a tad easier when hunting.
Pros
- Lightweight and thus easy to carry
- Costs less than $200
- Nitrogen purging to prevent fogging of the lens
- Quick focus eyepiece for better aim
- Illuminated reticle for low light conditions
- Turrets are smooth and easy to adjust
Cons
- Turrets have no markings
- Blurring at full magnification
- Durability isn’t that great so handle it with care
Conclusion
Well, those are my picks for the best 1-6x scopes in 2023. These have been scoped out based on factors that matter such as durability, price point, ease of use, and image clarity.
And I am sure, whether you are a hunter or participate in competitions, one of these scopes will match your expectations and budget.
In case you think I missed out on a great scope, let me know in the comments section below. You can also send in any questions or doubts that you may have.
Till then, happy hunting.
