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Today, one of the most popular rifle scope categories is the Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO), designed for shooting in close-quarter tactical situations.
Although it originated from the scopes developed specifically for military applications, the LPVO or wide-angle rifle scopes are the favorite of many hunting community members, particularly those who prefer hunting on the driven game.
Speaking of civilian applications, besides shooting on driven hunts, these versatile rifle scopes are used in dynamic shooting competitions and even for personal defense.
Choosing an LPVO is usually dependent on what you intend to use the optics for and may depend on trends and current technological advances.
While the Low Power Variable Optics are built with a lower magnification of 1.0x or 1.1x as less ideal, the upper magnification level usually ranges from 4x, 6x, to 8x, and recently there are ultra-modern LPVO with 10x and even 12-zoom factor.
Short on time? Our Picks for the Best 1-6x Scope
- Kahles Optics 1-6x Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle scopes
- Vortex Viper PST gen II 1-6×24
- TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series
- Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24mm CQB Rifle scope
- Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Rifle scope
- Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6×24 Rifle scope
- Primary Arms SLX6 1-6×24 SFP GEN III
What We Will Cover
- 1-6x Scope Series
- Best 1-6x Scope Reviews – New Products Updated
- 1 Kahles Optics 1-6x Rifle Scope
- 2 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescopes
- 3 Vortex Viper PST gen II 1-6×24
- 4 TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series
- 5 Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24mm CQB Riflescope
- 6 Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Riflescope
- 7 Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6×24 Riflescope
- 8 Primary Arms SLX6 1-6×24 SFP GEN III
- Final Thoughts
1-6x Scope Series
Between the 1-4x and 1-8x low power variable optic (LPVO), the 1-6x scopes represent the middle ground and offer you a near-universal fit.
The 1-6x rifle scopes are the optimal choice for quick close-range shooting with both eyes open. Still, it also enables easy mid-range target engagements at 6-times magnification, which is a substantial advantage over classic reflex sights like red dots.
If we ignore 1-4x LPVOs, the scopes in 1-6x configuration offer the widest possible field of view for rapid target acquisition, making them the best compromise between red dots and traditional high magnified rifle scopes.
To better understand the potential advantages of 1-6x LPVO scopes, you should know what common features make the best wide-angle scopes.
Glass quality
As an ideal close to the mid-range optic, 1-6x should have quality glass providing the sharp images that wouldn’t start to deteriorate at higher magnification.
Lens quality
You should expect great lens quality and that all lenses are multi-coated to offer the best light transmission. The scope’s housing should be nitrogen-filled and waterproof.
Construction
The overall build quality means the reticle on these scopes will not go out of alignment even if you mount them on the most potent African hunting caliber rifles.
As the most flexible scope configuration, the 1-6x models are also very lightweight and compact to give the shooter an added advantage in most hunting scenarios and shooting stakeout. It’s a great rifle scope to consider for deer hunting.
Reticle
As for the reticles, you should look in LPVO scopes for a simple to use reticle without any unnecessary complexity. The best reticles are those with a few unobtrusive hash marks for holdover and a clear primary aiming point.
Illumination
Another default feature of these highly functional low-to-no power optics is the illuminated dot, which can be used both in daylight and dusk.
Best 1-6x Scope Reviews – New Products Updated
1 Kahles Optics 1-6x Rifle Scope
The Kahles Optics 1-6x rifle scope may be the most top-of-the-line scope available today.
First, the sight acquisition is virtually untouched and unmatched. It is truly in a field of its own when it comes to optics. Three different components work together to make this 1-6x scope untouchable.
The first feature is the resolution. It has a remarkable resolution that creates a crisp and clear image when looking through the scope. Second, the contrast that is created with this design is extremely dynamic. You can distinctly tell where your target object is through this design.
Finally, it has 95% light transmission, which is 5% more than the average 1-6x scopes. When these three components work together as they do with the Kahles Optics scope, you get the best sight acquisition possible among 1-6x scopes.
It is designed with the SM1 reticle. If you’re unfamiliar with the SM1 reticle, it is a red dot reticle with vertical hash marks to help you adjust for elevation when sighting in your scope. Zooming in to 6x magnification with the SM1 reticle and crystal clear image makes it easier than ever to hit your target.
2 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescopes
The other LPVOs are usually high-priced units, but the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is a relatively affordable scope intended for a wide range of scenarios under various weather conditions.
The optics system has fully multi-coated lenses to deliver better light transmission and brighter images, even in low light conditions.
The Strike Eagle features the Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass that delivers superior optical clarity for this price range.
Since Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is very popular among people running ARs, it comes equipped with an illuminated, glass-etched AR-BDC3 reticle set in the second focal plane (SFP). This Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) reticle subtends with popular 5.56 mm cartridges. It combines the centered horseshoe for fast target acquisition with hash marks for holdover and ranging references from 0-600 yards.
This wide-angle scope is built around a 30mm single aluminum tube and standard for the class 24mm objective lens. While the 30mm main tube offers unmatched strength and provides maximized internal adjustment, the internals is protected with O-ring seals against moisture and purged with Nitrogen gas to prevent lens fogging.
3 Vortex Viper PST gen II 1-6×24
Vortex Viper PST Gen. 2 1-6×24 is designed for CQB and close-range target shooting making it a perfect LPVO for all AR-type weapons and other semi-auto rifles. According to its purpose, the Viper PST Gen. II 1-6×24 comes with low profile capped turrets with ½ MOA elevation click values.
The model 1605 features the XD Lens Elements and an illuminated VMR-2 MOA reticle, which is located in the second focal plane.
Based on a single-piece, rugged metal tube, the PST II scope comfortably stands up to shocks from high caliber rifle recoils.
As you would expect from this Vortex lineup, the 30mm main aluminum tube is argon-filled, so the scope will not fog internally.
4 TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series
TruGlo 1-6X24mm from the Tru-Brite 30 Series is very affordable wide-angle optics for those on a budget or those investing in their first LPVO scope.
With a 1-6x zoom range, the TruGlo Tru-Brite 30 series is an all-rounder designed for target engagements. This compact carbine scope sports a 24 mm objective lens and an illuminated Power Ring Duplex mil-dot reticle used in red or green color.
The TruGlo 1-6X24mm features fully coated lenses providing you bright images, good contrast, and low distortion that by far outdistance the cost.
Along with a 30mm tube for increased click adjustments, the Tru-Brite 30 series includes durable leaf springs to provide reliable elevation and windage adjustments in ½ MOA increments.
The scope is shipped with two pre-calibrated bullet drop compensation (BDC) turrets for .223 (55 grain) and .308 (168 grain) loads.
The scope’s aluminum body is filled with nitrogen gas for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
The Tru-Brite 1-6x is packed with a reversible, offset, monolithic 30mm one-piece tactical rail mount as a bonus.
5 Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24mm CQB Riflescope
Although it slightly pops out of our 1-6x scope overview, the Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24-mm riflescope deserves to appear as one of the best 1-6x AR scopes.
Featuring 1-6.5x magnification and an illuminated BTR 1, a second focal plane reticle, this low to medium power optics is a perfect 1-6 scope for your AR rifle.
The BTR-1, Ballistic Tactical Reticle, looks like a glowing, red horseshoe turned upside down surrounding a centered illuminated dot.
Combining a 6.5x power and BTR 1 reticle will allow you to engage targets at 300 yards with extreme precision.
The Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24 sports remarkably bright optics with fully coated, high-density glass treated with excellent ultra-wideband coatings.
This 1-6.5×24mm Bushnell will provide you a decent brightness level at dusk and dawn.
The scope has capped target turrets to protect against hard use and a ThrowHammer, a little folding lever that makes magnification changes nearly instant.
The 1-6.5×24 Elite Tactical is made of a 30 mm forged aluminum alloy one-piece tube, purged with argon gas for all-weather reliability.
6 Swarovski 1-6×24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Riflescope
One high-quality 1-6 LPVO comes from Swarovski Optik, a highly respected European scope manufacturer known for optical perfection.
The Swarovski Z6i 1-6×24 riflescope can be easily universal rifle scope for all-round use with a wide field of view at any magnification and bright sight picture even during twilight or in low-light conditions.
Besides an incredible 6 times magnification ratio, the Swarovski Company’s top product is shipped with an Optical Ballistic turret to enable you to set up three (3) pre-zeroed distances.
The new Z6i 1-6×24 generation from Swarovski Optik offers an increase of 50% in the field of view and 50% more magnification range.
Like the 2nd Generation, this fine sighting optic comes with a large choice of innovative reticles. Our model 59148D is equipped with a 4-I SFP reticle, a standard 4-post cross-hair configuration with an illuminated red dot.
All Z6 line of Swarovski is built of 30mm sturdy forged aluminum alloy housing to ensure a lifetime of successful hunting.
The Z6i 1-6×24 Swarovski scope provides an extended eye relief up to 50 percent compared to similar LPVO scopes.
7 Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6×24 Riflescope
Compared to Swarovski, Monstrum G3 1-6×24 riflescope is entirely on the opposite side of the price spectrum. While built for shooters with a limited shopping budget, the Monstrum Tactical features a 30mm main tube, functionally designed first focal plane MOA reticle, and superb eye relief of 4 to 4.5 inches.
The G3 has an aircraft-grade aluminum construction and tightly sealed and nitrogen purged tube, making it shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant.
The main selling point of this 1-6×24 riflescope is the Monstrum Custom Type-C reticle that will enable you to get an approximate range of yardage for an 18″ target. The functional MOA markings below the center will show you an approximate BDC for 55 grain 5.56 rounds.
The Monstrum G3 combines an illuminated reticle and 24mm objective with full multi-layer lens coatings to offer decent visibility at night or low-light environments.
As a perfect scope for beginners and cost-conscious shooters, the Monstrum package includes a set of bikini-style see-through lens covers, pair of high-profile Picatinny scope rings and a detachable honeycomb filter sunshade.
Although it’s not a true 1x scope, more probably 1.2x or 1.3x at the 1x position, it is usable for a variety of close to mid-range applications.
8 Primary Arms SLX6 1-6×24 SFP GEN III
Another excellent value for money is Primary Arms’ Silver (SLx) 1-6×24 mid-range series of optics. As a third generation of the PA 1-6×24 scopes, this wide-angle model comes with their famous ACSS illuminated reticle design calibrated for 5.56 NATO rounds.
The Primary Arms advanced reticle is set in the second focal plane. It represents an intuitive sighting system equipped with bullet drop compensation, range estimation, moving target leads, and wind holds.
While it’s 1x or honestly more like 1.2x power, it allows you quick acquisition and very fast shots from 0-100 yards; at 6x maximum power, you will be able for very accurate shooting up to 400 yards.
Like the previous generation, Gen III 1-6×24 has a 30mm aluminum main tube, but it’s shorter and lighter than the older model. It also comes with an additional 10 MOA of internal adjustment and improved construction to operating more reliable in unfavorable weather and hostile environments.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, the 1-6x Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs) with a true 1x magnification enables the shooter to use it as a red dot type sight or a specialized scope for fast and accurate shot placement beyond 200 yards.
However, you should be aware that only the best 1-6x scopes have the capacity to be multi-purpose, all-around LPVOs capable of a ton of special abilities.
If you made an informed decision, the versatile 1-6x scope would be perfect for 3-gun competition, recreational shooting, hunting and also might find another purpose as your perfect scope for a home defense gun.
