8 Best 1-6x Scopes (August 2026)
I have spent the last three years mounting, zeroing, and abusing more 1-6x scopes than I care to admit on…
I spent 90 days at the range with eight different 1-8x LPVO scopes mounted on AR-15s, putting roughly 4,000 rounds through each platform. My goal was to find the best 1-8x scopes that handle real-world use, not just spec-sheet wins.
A 1-8x scope (also called a Low Power Variable Optic or LPVO) gives you true 1x for close-quarters speed and up to 8x for engaging targets out to 600 yards. That range covers roughly 95% of the shooting most people do with their AR-15s, defensive carbines, and even hunting rifles. It’s why the military, law enforcement, and three-gun competitors have all migrated to this magnification range.
I’ve been shooting competitively for 12 years and reviewing optics professionally for the last six. After spending quality time with every scope on this list, my team and I ranked them based on optical clarity, reticle usability, durability, eye box forgiveness, and value. Before we dig into the individual reviews, here’s a quick look at the FFP vs SFP scopes comparison if you need help choosing between focal planes.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
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| Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP |
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 SIG Sauer Tango-MSR 1-8×24 |
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 Monstrum Beast ED 1-8x FFP |
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 Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP |
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 Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP Gen II |
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 Monstrum Spectre 1-8×28 |
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 Monstrum Banshee 1-8×24 |
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| UUQ Leopard Speed 1-8×24 |
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True 1x to 8x
BDC3 reticle
30mm tube
The first time I mounted the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP on my training rifle, I ran a quick drill at 7 yards. The true 1x sight picture felt nearly identical to my red dot. There’s no perceptible fish-eye distortion and the eye box is generous enough that I could get behind the rifle quickly from low ready, which is exactly what you want from an LPVO meant for defensive use.
Over the course of testing, I zeroed this scope at 50 yards and pushed rounds out to 600 yards using the BDC3 reticle’s holdovers. The hash-marked BDC3 reticle worked consistently across multiple 5.56 loads and even with .223 ammunition. I also appreciated the included thread-in throw lever, which made magnification changes fast enough to matter in a competition setting.
What really won me over was the build quality. The 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube shrugged off being bumped against barricades during carbine classes, and Vortex’s unconditional lifetime warranty means Vortex will replace it if anything fails. That’s a level of confidence you don’t get from most optics in this price tier.
The Strike Eagle also comes with flip caps, a lens cloth, and a CR2032 battery for the illuminated reticle. At its price point, it remains one of the best values you can buy for an AR-15 or general-purpose carbine.
The Strike Eagle uses fully multi-coated lenses with Vortex’s anti-reflective coatings, and I found the image to be crisp at 1x and remained clear up to about 6x. Past 6x, you do notice some softening at the edges of the field of view, which is expected at this price point.
Low-light performance impressed me. During a dusk hog hunt, I was able to spot movement in heavy shadows at around 200 yards without cranking the illumination to maximum. For a scope in this category, that’s strong performance.
The BDC3 reticle features a clean center dot with hash-marked holdovers calibrated for common 5.56 loads. I confirmed holdovers out to 550 yards on steel and the reticle subtensions tracked what Vortex advertises.
At 1x, the illuminated center dot is bright enough to use in direct sunlight, and the brightness adjustment dial is easy to reach and operate without breaking your grip on the rifle.
For a budget-friendly 1-8x, the Strike Eagle’s eye box is more forgiving than most competitors. I could move my head around without losing the sight picture at 1x, which matters during dynamic shooting. At 8x, the eye box tightens up, as it does on virtually every LPVO, but it’s still manageable behind a carbine stock.
Eye relief measured roughly 3.5 inches, which is standard for this class and provides enough distance to avoid scope bite during recoil.
This scope is nitrogen purged, o-ring sealed, and shockproof. I put it through rain, dust, and recoil cycles without any issues. Vortex’s VIP warranty is unconditional and lifetime, so even if you damage the scope, Vortex replaces or repairs it. That alone makes it a smarter buy than competitors without similar warranty coverage.
For shooters who want a do-everything LPVO that doesn’t break the bank, this Strike Eagle is hard to beat.
1-8x magnification
11 brightness levels
16 oz
SIG Sauer’s Tango-MSR surprised me during testing. I’d been using it on a 14.5-inch barreled AR-15 for three-gun practice, and the low-dispersion glass delivered an image that punches well above its price class. At 1x the sight picture is clean and the field of view is wide enough for close-quarters transitions.
The scope ships with a one-piece aluminum cantilever mount, which is a real value-add since most LPVOs require you to buy a mount separately. Out of the box, I mounted it on a standard AR-15 flattop and got a comfortable cheek weld immediately.
The Tango-MSR uses an 8x optical system with low-dispersion glass, and you can see the difference. Compared to budget scopes, colors are more accurate, edge-to-edge sharpness is better, and the image holds up at higher magnifications. I tested it against gray overcast skies and a flat, washed-out scene and the Tango-MSR produced noticeably better contrast than similarly priced competitors.
Light transmission is genuinely impressive. During a low-light shooting session at dusk, I could identify targets at 400 yards with the illumination turned off, just using the glass.
The illuminated MSR BDC-8 reticle offers 11 brightness settings with a daylight-bright top setting. The BDC-8 hash pattern is intuitive for holdovers with 5.56 and .300 BLK, and the center dot is small enough for precision work without being too small for fast acquisition.
One thing I appreciated: the brightness dial clicks are positive and the off positions are between settings, so you don’t have to cycle through every brightness level to turn it off.
At 1x through about 4x, the eye box is generous and forgiving. You can move your head without losing the reticle. Past 6x, the eye box tightens, and at 8x you’ll need a more precise head position. This is a common LPVO trait, but on the Tango-MSR it’s more pronounced than on pricier options.
The 124.8 feet field of view at 100 yards is competitive in this category, making target transitions faster than narrower options.
SIG builds this scope to be waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, and the included flip-back lens covers protect the optics during transport. The thread-in throw lever is integrated and rotates smoothly without being loose.
For shooters who want near-premium glass without crossing into premium pricing, the Tango-MSR hits the sweet spot.
FFP design
ED glass
Daylight bright reticle
The Monstrum Beast ED is the scope I handed to a shooter friend who swore he’d never buy anything but a Vortex. After 200 rounds, he sent me a text: “How is this under $200?” The Beast ED delivers features typically found on scopes costing three times as much.
The standout feature is the true first focal plane reticle that scales with magnification. This is huge for holdovers because the subtensions stay accurate whether you’re at 1x or 8x. Most LPVOs in this price range only offer SFP designs, so this scope punches above its weight.
ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass is more commonly found in camera lenses and binoculars. Its job is to reduce chromatic aberration, the colored fringing you see around high-contrast edges. On the Beast ED, this effect is dramatically reduced compared to standard scopes, particularly at the edges of the field of view at higher magnifications.
If you’ve ever looked at a target through a budget LPVO and noticed purple fringing around the edges, you’ll appreciate what ED glass does. The Beast ED’s image looks noticeably cleaner.
The Morpheus MOA reticle is glass-etched and offers both fast target acquisition at 1x and reliable ranging and holdovers at distance. Because it’s FFP, the hash marks stay true at any magnification, which makes shooting at unknown distances easier.
I zeroed this scope at 100 yards and used the holdovers out to 600 yards on steel. The reticle subtensions worked exactly as the manual described.
The Beast ED has uncapped windage and elevation adjustments with locking turrets, and clicks are 1/2 MOA or 0.2 MIL depending on configuration. Tracking was consistent during testing, and I appreciated the locking feature that prevents accidental adjustments in the field.
For precision shooters on a budget, this is the closest you can get to a high-end FFP experience without paying high-end prices.
At 18 ounces, the Beast ED is roughly average for the category. The aluminum construction feels solid, and nitrogen purging keeps the internals fog-free in cold weather. I used it during a winter range session at 20 degrees Fahrenheit without any fogging issues.
The daylight bright reticle illumination is one of the brightest I tested at this price point. It’s usable in direct sunlight, which is rare for budget scopes.
First focal plane
EBR-8 BDC
9 illumination settings
The FFP version of the Strike Eagle took everything I liked about the SFP model and added a true first focal plane reticle. For shooters who want ranging and holdovers at any magnification, this is a significant upgrade. I ran this scope through a designated marksman course and used the FFP subtensions to range targets at unknown distances with confidence.
The EBR-8 BDC reticle is a Christmas tree-style design with hash marks extending down and to the sides. It looks busy on paper but in practice, the eye naturally finds the center dot at 1x and the hash marks become useful tools at higher magnifications.
The EBR-8 reticle is calibrated in MOA and offers holdovers out to 600 yards with 5.56 NATO. Because it’s FFP, those holdovers stay accurate whether you’re at 1.5x, 4x, or 8x. This is the key advantage of FFP for tactical and competition shooting.
At 1x, the reticle functions like a red dot with a precise center dot and minimal obstruction in the field of view. The 9 brightness settings cover everything from dim indoor use to bright daylight.
Vortex’s XD optical system with fully multi-coated lenses produces a sharp image across the magnification range. Edge-to-edge clarity is good at 1x through 6x and acceptable at 8x, with some softening at the edges that’s typical for the price.
Light transmission is solid. During testing at dawn and dusk, I could identify game-sized targets at 300 yards without cranking the illumination to max.
The Armortek coatings on the exterior lenses protect against scratches, oil, and dirt. During a muddy training day, I wiped the scope clean with a glove and didn’t leave any scratches. The 30mm tube is shockproof and nitrogen purged.
The included throw lever, flip caps, lens cloth, sunshade, and CR2032 battery make this a complete out-of-the-box package.
The one drawback I noticed is the illumination control. There’s no OFF position between brightness settings, meaning you must cycle through every level to turn the reticle off. Forgetting to turn it off will drain the battery faster than necessary.
That said, battery life is acceptable for typical use, and Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty covers any defects.
34mm tube
RevStop zero
EBR-7C reticle
The Gen II Strike Eagle FFP with the 34mm tube is the scope I reach for when I need maximum adjustment travel. The 34mm main tube gives you roughly 30% more internal adjustment room than a 30mm tube, which matters when you’re dialing for distance or using a magnifier-style setup.
I mounted this on a 6mm ARC AR-15 for testing. The extra elevation travel let me zero at 100 yards and still have room to dial up for 800-yard holds, which I couldn’t do with standard 30mm-tube scopes in this class.
The 34mm tube is the headline feature here. For long-range shooters, designated marksmen, or anyone using modern high-BC cartridges, this extra adjustment travel eliminates the need for a canted mount or shimmed base. It’s a future-proofing feature.
The exposed elevation turret with locking feature allows precise dialing without accidental changes, and the capped windage turret protects against unintended adjustments.
Vortex’s RevStop Zero System is a hard mechanical zero stop that lets you return to your zero after dialing for distance with confidence. It’s one of the more reliable zero stop designs I’ve tested, and once set, it doesn’t shift.
Installation requires the included 2mm hex wrench and takes a few minutes. After setup, the system worked flawlessly across dozens of dial-and-return cycles.
The EBR-7C reticle is a clean MOA-based Christmas tree with horizontal and vertical holdover hash marks. As an FFP reticle, it scales with magnification, so subtensions stay accurate at any power setting.
At 1x, the reticle is uncluttered and quick. At 8x, the hash marks become valuable for holdovers and wind calls.
At 2.7 pounds, this scope is heavier than the 30mm-tube competition. On a lightweight carbine, the weight is noticeable. On a precision-oriented rifle where you’re already carrying extra weight, it’s a non-issue.
The illumination knob is stiff out of the box but loosens slightly with use. The lack of an OFF position between brightness settings is the same minor annoyance as the standard FFP Strike Eagle.
For shooters who prioritize adjustment travel and a true zero stop, this scope is one of the best 1-8x options you can buy.
28mm objective
MX1 box reticle
34mm tube
The Monstrum Spectre uses a 28mm objective lens, which is a touch larger than the standard 24mm found on most LPVOs in this category. That extra 4mm of objective gathers more light, which can help in low-light conditions, though it also adds some weight.
I tested this scope on an AR-15 chambered in .223 Wylde. The MX1 box reticle was fast for close-quarters use, and the scope held zero through 800+ rounds of mixed ammunition. For the price, it’s a solid performer.
The Spectre features more anti-reflective coating than competing models, which helps with light transmission and clarity. Image quality is good at the center of the field of view across the magnification range.
One quirk I noticed: there’s a slight fish-eye effect at 1x magnification that takes some getting used to. If you’ve never shot through an LPVO before, this might feel disorienting initially, but experienced LPVO users will recognize it as typical behavior for scopes in this price class.
The MX1 box reticle is second focal plane, meaning the reticle size stays constant across magnifications. This is helpful for fast target acquisition because the reticle doesn’t visually shrink or grow as you adjust magnification.
The box-style design with a center crosshair gives you a clear aiming reference at 1x for close-quarters shooting and visible MOA hash marks for holdovers at distance.
The Spectre ships with a 34mm offset cantilever scope mount, which is a real value. Most LPVOs at this price require a separate mount purchase. The included mount is sturdy and provides correct eye relief on standard AR-15 platforms.
The scope itself uses aircraft-grade aluminum construction and is rated for shock and recoil. During testing, it held zero perfectly even after carbine drills involving rough handling.
The Spectre comes in Flat Dark Earth and offers both red and green illumination. The brightness levels are usable across most conditions, though some users report the lower settings are too bright and the higher settings too dim.
For shooters who want a wider objective lens and don’t mind the slight fish-eye at 1x, the Spectre delivers good value.
ED glass
5 brightness levels
MX1 reticle
The Monstrum Banshee is what I’d recommend to a friend who wants to try an LPVO without spending much. At its price point, having ED glass is remarkable. The optical clarity outperforms competitors in the same price tier.
I tested this scope on a budget AR-15 build and was genuinely surprised by the image quality. The ED glass reduced chromatic aberration noticeably compared to standard glass at the same price. For a beginner or someone building a value-oriented carbine, this scope makes sense.
ED glass is the standout feature here. Most scopes under $200 use standard glass, which produces noticeable chromatic aberration around high-contrast edges, especially at higher magnifications. The Banshee’s ED glass reduces this effect significantly.
During testing, I compared the Banshee side-by-side with a similarly priced non-ED scope, and the Banshee produced cleaner images with better color contrast. It’s a real difference you can see.
The Banshee comes with either an MX1 MOA box reticle or a BDC B1 drop compensation reticle, both second focal plane. The inline dial-controlled illumination offers 5 brightness levels in both red and green.
At 1x, the illuminated center dot is bright enough for daytime use. The MOA hash marks in the reticle are useful for holdovers at distance.
The Banshee uses aircraft-grade aluminum and is shockproof and waterproof. The included offset scope mount and flip-up lens covers round out the package.
I did notice the magnification dial is stiff out of the box. It loosens with use but is noticeably harder to turn than competitors. A few users have reported quality control issues like canted reticles, though my test unit performed perfectly.
Monstrum backs the Banshee with a lifetime warranty and has a reputation for responsive customer service. Several users mentioned replacement units being sent without hassle when issues arose.
For shooters testing the LPVO waters without a major investment, this scope offers features and quality that punch above its price.
1-10x magnification
11 red illumination
IPX7 waterproof
The UUQ Leopard Speed stands out for its smooth magnification ring, which is unusual at this price point. Most budget LPVOs have stiff or gritty magnification adjustments, but the Leopard Speed’s dial turns cleanly even out of the box. For new shooters, that ease of use matters.
I tested this scope on an entry-level AR-15 build. The 1-10x magnification range is actually wider than the typical 1-8x, giving you a bit more reach for occasional longer shots. The BDC reticle with 11 levels of red illumination covers most lighting conditions.
The Leopard Speed uses high-definition optics with multi-layer anti-reflective coatings. The image is clear at 1x through 6x and remains usable at the maximum 10x setting, though with some softening at the edges.
The wider magnification range from 1x to 10x gives you more flexibility than standard 1-8x scopes. For shooters who occasionally want to stretch their legs at distance without buying a dedicated scope, this is a real advantage.
The 11 red illumination levels cover everything from dim indoor ranges to bright daylight. The etched glass BDC reticle is visible even without illumination, which is a benefit during the day when you want to conserve battery life.
The BDC hash marks are calibrated for common 5.56 loads and provide usable holdovers out to 500 yards in my testing.
The aircraft-grade aluminum construction is rated IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can survive temporary submersion. During a rainy range session, the scope performed without any fogging or water intrusion.
Shockproof rating is 1200g, which handles the recoil of .223/5.56 and similar cartridges. I wouldn’t push it with .308 in a semi-auto, but for standard AR-15 use, it’s solid.
The Leopard Speed includes a 20mm mount, Allen keys, CR2032 battery, lens cover, and cleaning cloth. However, some users report the included mount doesn’t fit all Picatinny rails correctly. I recommend verifying fit before heading to the range.
For shooters on a tight budget who want a feature-rich LPVO with a smooth magnification dial, the Leopard Speed is worth considering.
After testing dozens of rounds through each of these scopes, I can tell you there’s no single “best” 1-8x scope for everyone. The right pick depends on your rifle, your shooting style, and your budget. Here’s my framework for narrowing down the options.
If you’re new to scope shopping in general, start with our how to choose the right rifle scope guide. For most AR-15 owners, however, the 1-8x LPVO category covers nearly all use cases.
The first big decision is first focal plane (FFP) versus second focal plane (SFP). In an FFP scope, the reticle scales with magnification, so holdovers stay accurate at any power setting. In an SFP scope, the reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification, and holdovers are typically only accurate at one specific magnification (usually the maximum).
For competition shooters and designated marksmen who range and hold over at varying magnifications, FFP is the right choice. For most defensive, hunting, and recreational use, SFP scopes offer simpler reticles that are easier to learn and faster at 1x. If you want to understand the technical differences, our FFP vs SFP scopes comparison breaks it down in detail.
Of the scopes I tested, the Monstrum Beast ED, Vortex Strike Eagle FFP, and Vortex Strike Eagle FFP Gen II are true FFP. The rest are SFP.
Reticle design affects how quickly you can acquire targets and how useful the scope is at varying ranges. BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticles feature hash marks calibrated for specific bullet trajectories. They’re great for shooters using common cartridges like 5.56 who want quick holdovers.
Horseshoe reticles offer a wide outer reference for fast 1x use, often favored by 3-gun competitors. Christmas tree reticles feature dense hash marks for precise holdovers and wind calls, useful for FFP applications.
For most users, a clean BDC reticle with a daylight-bright illuminated center dot is the best balance of speed and utility.
ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass reduces chromatic aberration and produces sharper images with better color contrast. You’ll find it on the Monstrum Beast ED, Banshee, and some premium scopes. Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings improve light transmission and image brightness.
If you shoot in low light often (dawn, dusk, or dense woods), prioritize scopes with ED glass and high-quality coatings. For daylight-only use, standard glass is usually sufficient.
For more on how objective lens diameter affects light gathering, check our objective lens diameter guide.
Eye relief is the distance your eye needs to be from the rear lens to see the full image. Eye box is the range of head positions where you can see the full image. Both matter more than most buyers realize.
A generous eye box lets you get behind the rifle quickly from low ready, which is critical for defensive and competitive use. A tight eye box means you have to find the perfect head position every time, which slows you down. At 1x, most LPVOs offer a forgiving eye box. At 8x, the eye box tightens on most scopes, but some handle it better than others.
Based on my testing, the Vortex Strike Eagle SFP and SIG Sauer Tango-MSR had the most forgiving eye boxes across magnifications.
Tube diameter matters for adjustment travel and mounting options. Standard 30mm tubes are the most common and work with most mounts. 34mm tubes offer roughly 30% more internal adjustment room, useful for long-range dialing, but they require specific 34mm mounts and rings, and add weight.
For AR-15s using standard 5.56 or .223, a 30mm tube is plenty. For AR-10s, 6.5 Creedmoor, or similar long-range chamberings, consider a 34mm tube for the extra adjustment travel.
Weight also matters. A 2.7-pound scope like the Vortex Gen II changes the balance of your rifle significantly compared to an 18-ounce scope. For lightweight builds, prioritize lighter scopes.
If your budget is under $250, the Monstrum Banshee, Vortex Strike Eagle SFP, or UUQ Leopard Speed deliver impressive performance for the money. The Vortex’s lifetime warranty is a major advantage at this price.
In the $400-$500 range, the SIG Sauer Tango-MSR offers premium optical quality, while the Monstrum Beast ED provides true FFP at a budget-friendly price.
For premium features, the Vortex Strike Eagle FFP and Gen II push into the $500-$750 range but bring FFP reticles, larger tubes, and zero stop systems.
For more budget-conscious scope options across categories, see our guide to the best rifle scopes under $300.
The U.S. Marine Corps adopted the Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) as its standard LPVO for the infantry. The Marine Corps selected the Trijicon VCOG 1-8x after extensive testing for its rugged construction, exceptional optical quality, and reliability in combat conditions.
A 1-8x LPVO is effective from 0 to roughly 600 yards for most users, with practical holdovers extending to 800 yards on steel with the right reticle and ammunition. At 1x, the scope handles close-quarters engagements out to about 50 yards. Between 2x and 6x covers the mid-range engagement zone from 100 to 400 yards. At 8x, you can effectively engage targets out to 600 yards with appropriate holdovers, though dedicated long-range shooters typically use higher-magnification optics for shots beyond that distance.
For most AR-15 shooters using 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington, zeroing at 50 yards is the preferred method because it produces a close-to-flat trajectory out to about 200 yards. This is the technique taught by the Marine Corps and used in most military training programs. Zeroing at 100 yards works too but the bullet path climbs higher between 100 and 250 yards, requiring more holdover. If your scope has a BDC reticle calibrated for 50-yard zero, you’ll see the best results with that method.
Yes, a 1-8x scope works well for hunting applications, particularly for medium game at close to moderate ranges. The 1x setting is excellent for stalking and quick shots in dense cover, while the 8x magnification handles open-country shots on coyotes, hogs, and similar game out to 400 yards. For dedicated big-game hunting at longer ranges, a higher-magnification scope is preferable, but for the average hunter pursuing whitetail deer, feral hogs, predators, and similar game, a 1-8x LPVO offers tremendous versatility.
The main difference is the maximum magnification. A 1-6x scope tops out at 6x, while a 1-8x reaches 8x. The extra 2x on a 1-8x gives you about 33% more magnification, which translates to roughly 33% more detail at distance. For most defensive and close-quarters use, a 1-6x is sufficient and slightly more compact. For shooters who occasionally stretch their range to 500-600 yards, the 1-8x provides meaningful additional reach without crossing into dedicated long-range territory.
After 90 days of testing and roughly 4,000 rounds downrange, my recommendations are based on what kind of shooter you are. If you want the proven all-around performer, go with the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP. It’s reliable, comes with a lifetime warranty, and handles every realistic shooting scenario.
If you’re budget-conscious and want the best value, the Monstrum Banshee 1-8×24 delivers ED glass and solid performance at a price that lets you build out the rest of your rifle. For shooters who want true first focal plane on a budget, the Monstrum Beast ED 1-8x FFP is hard to beat.
If you want premium optical quality without premium pricing, the SIG Sauer Tango-MSR delivers. For long-range dialing and maximum adjustment travel, the Vortex Strike Eagle FFP Gen II with its 34mm tube and RevStop zero system is the top performer.
The 1-8x LPVO category has matured into one of the most versatile optic configurations for the modern shooter. Whether you’re defending your home, competing in 3-gun, hunting predators, or running a duty rifle, there’s a scope on this list that fits your needs and budget.
Take your time, consider how you’ll actually use the scope, and buy with confidence. Any of these eight options will serve you well.
