Today, one of the most popular rifle scopes 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.
Our Picks for 1-6x Scope
- Leupold Mark 6 1-6x20 M6C1 Rifle scope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Rifle scopes
- Vortex Viper PST gen II 1-6x24
- TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series
- Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24mm CQB Rifle scope
- Swarovski 1-6x24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Rifle scope
- Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6x24 Rifle scope
- Primary Arms SLX6 1-6x24 SFP GEN III
Contents
- 1-6x Scope Series
- Best 1-6x Scope Reviews - New Products Updated
- 1 Leupold Mark 6 1-6x20 M6C1 Rifle scope
- 2 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Riflescopes
- 3 Vortex Viper PST gen II 1-6x24
- 4 TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series
- 5 Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-6.5×24mm CQB Riflescope
- 6 Swarovski 1-6x24 L Z6i 2nd Generation Riflescope
- 7 Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6x24 Riflescope
- 8 Primary Arms SLX6 1-6x24 SFP GEN III
- Final thought
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 the quality glass providing the sharp images that wouldn't start to deteriorate at higher magnification.
Lens quality
You should expect that all lenses are multi-coated to offer the best light transmission, whereas the scope's housing is 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 stakeouts.
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 hashmarks 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 Leupold Mark 6 1-6x20 M6C1 Rifle scope
The Leupold Mark 6 features new low-profile, mil-based ZeroLock turrets that make precise adjustments in 2/10 MIL increments.
This military-grade low powered optic model number 115044 comes with a 5.56mm BDC reticle. The illuminated CMR-W is a caliber-specific front focal plane reticle equipped with beneficial markings without being cluttered or hard to read.
As a compact and very manageable scope, the Mark 6 M6C1 sports a 20mm extreme scratch-resistant objective lens protected with DiamondCoat2 coating and all exterior lens surfaces treated with Twilight Max HD Light Management system for assisting in light transmission.
Built around a rugged and robust 34mm tube for added elevation travel, the all-new Mark 6 1-6x20mm scope delivers relevant performance features to tactical operators and professional shooters in mid-range to CQB situations.
At just 17.6oz, this ultra-lightweight scope comes with a sealed body that guarantees 100% water and fog resistance in any weather condition.
2 Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Riflescopes
The other LPVOs are usually high-priced units, but the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 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 1-6x24
Vortex Viper PST Gen. 2 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 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 1-6.5x24 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 1-6.5x24 Elite Tactical is made of a 30 mm forged aluminum alloy one-piece tube, purged with argon gas for all-weather reliability.
6 Swarovski 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 Swarovski scope provides an extended eye relief up to 50 percent compared to similar LPVO scopes.
7 Monstrum Tactical G3 1-6x24 Riflescope
Compared to Swarovski, Monstrum G3 1-6x24 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 maintube, 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 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 SFP GEN III
Another excellent value for money is Primary Arms' Silver (SLx) 1-6x24 mid-range series of optics. As a third generation of the PA 1-6x24 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 1-6x24 has a 30mm aluminum maintube, 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 thought
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 not only for recreational shooting, 3-gun competition and hunting but also it might find another purpose as your perfect scope for a home defense gun.
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