In the world of modern shooting sports and tactical applications, the Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) has become an indispensable tool. The 1-8x scope, in particular, offers an exceptional balance of speed and precision, allowing for rapid engagement at close quarters and precise shots at extended distances. Choosing the right one for your rifle, however, can be a complex decision with numerous brands and features to consider.
This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present a curated selection of the top 1-8x scopes available. Whether your priority is tactical performance, budget-friendly value, or specific reticle systems, we have highlighted key options to help you make an informed choice for your setup in 2025.
Our Top Picks for 1-8x Rifle Scopes
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP – BDC2 Reticle
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-8x24mm FFP with ACSS Raptor
- Burris RT-8 1-8x28mm Illuminated Ballistic CQ Reticle
- Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-8x24mm LPVO with MSR BDC
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 1-8×24 FFP Riflescope
- Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-8x36mm with FireDot Reticle
- Swampfox Optics Arrowhead 1-8×24 LPVO FFP Scope
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope – BDC2 Reticle (MOA)
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is built for versatility, offering a true 1x setting for fast, close-range shots and 8x magnification for reaching out to targets at a distance. Its high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear and bright sight picture, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions. The scope is designed to be a reliable workhorse for a variety of shooting disciplines.
An illuminated, glass-etched BDC2 reticle sits in the second focal plane, ensuring the reticle subtensions are correct at the highest magnification setting. With 11 illumination settings, you can adjust the brightness to match any ambient lighting. A thoughtful design feature is the inclusion of a spare battery compartment within the windage cap, ensuring you are never caught without power when you need it most.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
This model of the Strike Eagle maintains the core features that have made the series popular. It delivers a wide field of view at 1x for rapid threat acquisition and transitions seamlessly to 8x for more precise shot placement. The robust construction is backed by Vortex’s VIP Warranty, which offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind for the end user.
The simple yet effective reticle design is easy to use under pressure, making it a solid choice for both competitive shooting and defensive use. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick diopter adjustments, so you can get a sharp reticle image tailored to your vision. It represents a strong value in the crowded LPVO market.
Primary Arms SLx 1-8x24mm FFP Rifle Scope with ACSS Raptor Reticle
Primary Arms brings its innovative ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle to the forefront with this First Focal Plane (FFP) model. The ACSS Raptor reticle is packed with useful features, including ranging, holdovers, and windage chevrons that are accurate at every magnification level. This makes it an outstanding option for shooters who need a dynamic and intelligent aiming solution.
As an FFP scope, the reticle grows and shrinks with your magnification, allowing for consistent use of its markings whether you are at 1x or 8x. The illumination is daylight bright, providing a clear red chevron even in bright sunny conditions. Built to withstand heavy recoil and harsh environments, the SLx series offers professional-grade features at an accessible price point.
Burris RT-8 1-8x28mm Illuminated Ballistic CQ Reticle Riflescope
The Burris RT-8 distinguishes itself with a slightly larger 28mm objective lens, which can help gather more light for a brighter image. Its Ballistic CQ reticle is designed for close-quarters speed and mid-range precision, featuring a large center dot for fast acquisition and a simple horseshoe for rapid framing of targets.
Illumination settings are managed through a user-friendly control knob, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. The scope is built with durability in mind, featuring a one-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. With its proven performance and clear glass, the RT-8 is a strong contender for anyone considering a tactical-oriented LPVO.
Sig Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-8x24mm LPVO Scope with Illuminated MSR BDC Reticle
Sig Sauer’s TANGO-MSR series is engineered to provide exceptional value and performance. This 1-8x scope features an illuminated MSR BDC reticle that is simple, uncluttered, and effective for both close and mid-range shooting. The glass quality offers good clarity and color fidelity, providing a sharp sight picture across the magnification range.
It comes with throw-lever flip caps and a mount, making it a complete, ready-to-install package right out of the box. This is a significant benefit for new shooters or anyone looking to simplify their setup process. The rugged construction ensures it can handle the demands of regular use on a modern sporting rifle.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen2 1-8×24 First Focal Plane Riflescope
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 brings First Focal Plane functionality to a very competitive price point. Its APLR2 FFP IR reticle provides accurate holdover points at any magnification, which is a major advantage for precision shooting at varying distances. The reticle illumination is effective in low light and the glass is surprisingly clear for its class.
This generation includes improvements like zero-stop turrets, which allow for a quick return to your primary zero after making elevation adjustments for longer shots. The generous eye relief and smooth magnification ring make it comfortable and easy to use. For the budget-conscious shooter who wants FFP features, the Argos BTR Gen2 is an excellent choice.
Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-8x36mm Riflescope with FireDot Illuminated Reticle
Leupold is synonymous with optical excellence, and the Mark 3HD lives up to that reputation. Starting at 1.5x, it offers a fantastically wide field of view and a generous 36mm objective lens that provides a bright, high-contrast image. The Twilight Max Light Management System helps extend shooting time in low-light conditions.
The FireDot illuminated reticle uses a simple, bright red dot in the center to draw your eye for fast shots. Built to military standards for durability and waterproofing, this scope is both lightweight and incredibly tough. It represents a premium option for shooters who prioritize optical quality and rugged reliability above all else.
Swampfox Optics Arrowhead 1-8×24 LPVO Scope with First Focal Plane Reticle
Swampfox Optics has made a name for itself with feature-rich optics, and the Arrowhead 1-8×24 is no exception. Available with several FFP reticle options, it provides the user with a versatile tool for dynamic shooting. The glass is fully multi-coated, resulting in a clear and bright image with minimal distortion at the edges.
It includes a shake-to-wake illumination feature that automatically activates the reticle when motion is detected and puts it to sleep to conserve battery life. With a rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body and argon purging for waterproof and fog-proof performance, the Arrowhead is built to perform reliably in demanding situations.
What to Look For in the 8 Best 1-8X Scopes for Your Rifle [Tactical & Budget] 2025
Choosing the right 1-8x scope can feel like a big task with so many options out there. I’ve spent a lot of time behind these optics, and I can tell you that a few key factors make all the difference between a good scope and a great one. Let’s break down what you should really be paying attention to.
First up is the reticle. This is your aiming point, so it needs to work for you. For a 1-8x scope, you want something that’s fast and simple on 1x power, like a red dot, but also has holdovers or bullet drop compensators (BDC) for when you crank it up to 8x. I personally prefer illuminated reticles with multiple brightness settings. A bright center dot is a game-changer for quick shots in low light, while a fine center point is better for precision at higher magnifications. Think about the type of shooting you do most. A simple duplex might be fine for hunting, but a more complex Christmas-tree-style reticle is better for tactical or competitive shooting where you need rapid holdovers for wind and drop.
Next, consider the glass quality and eye box. This is where you often see the split between budget and high-end models. Good glass means a bright, clear, and sharp image from edge to edge. It makes a huge difference in low-light conditions and reduces eye strain. The eye box is the sweet spot where you can see the full picture through the scope. A forgiving, large eye box is critical for shooting from awkward positions or on the move. Cheaper scopes often have a very tight eye box, meaning you have to have your head positioned perfectly, which isn’t always practical.
Finally, don’t ignore durability and features. Look for scopes that are purged with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging. They should also be O-ring sealed for waterproof performance. The construction should feel robust – a scope is a long-term investment. The turrets, the dials on top and the side, are important too. You want them to be tactile, with clear and audible clicks, so you can make adjustments confidently. For a 1-8x scope, a first or second focal plane (FFP or SFP) is a major choice. FFP means the reticle grows and shrinks with magnification, so your holdover marks are always accurate. SFP means the reticle stays the same size, so the BDC is only correct at one magnification, usually the highest. For most people getting into this category, a good SFP scope is a solid and often more affordable starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a 1-8x scope over a fixed power scope?
The biggest advantage is versatility. On its 1x setting, a 1-8x scope acts very much like a red dot sight. It allows for fast, both-eyes-open shooting at close-range targets. This is perfect for home defense, tactical training, or fast-moving games. Then, with a quick turn of the magnification ring, you can zoom all the way in to 8x power. This gives you the precision needed to make accurate shots at longer distances, out to several hundred yards. It’s like having two specialized optics in one single, streamlined package.
Is a First Focal Plane (FFP) or Second Focal Plane (SFP) better for a 1-8x scope?
This depends entirely on your intended use. An FFP reticle is fantastic for long-range precision or tactical shooting where you might need to use your holdover points at any magnification level. Since the reticle scales with the target, the markings are always correct. However, on low power (1x), the reticle can be very small and difficult to see. An SFP reticle is often brighter and simpler on 1x, making it faster for close-quarters. The trade-off is that the bullet drop compensator marks are only accurate at one specific magnification, typically 8x. For most general-purpose and budget-conscious users, an SFP scope is an excellent choice.
Can I use a 1-8x scope for hunting?
Absolutely. A 1-8x scope is a brilliant choice for many types of hunting. If you’re in thick brush or timber, the 1x setting lets you acquire targets quickly on a moving animal. If you then spot a deer across a field, you can zoom to 4x, 6x, or 8x to place a more precise shot. It’s particularly well-suited for hog hunting or pursuing other game where engagement distances can change in a heartbeat. You get the speed for close encounters and the magnification for ethical, longer shots.
How much should I expect to spend on a good 1-8x scope?
The price range is massive, which is why you see lists covering the best 1-8x scopes for your rifle from tactical to budget. You can find entry-level models that are perfectly serviceable for around $300 to $500. These will get the job done for range use and some hunting. The mid-range from $800 to $1,500 is where you see significant jumps in glass clarity, durability, and reticle features. High-end tactical models from brands like Nightforce or Tangent Theta can easily exceed $3,000. For 2025, the value in the $500-$1,000 range is incredibly strong.
What does “true 1x” mean and why is it important?
“True 1x” means that when the scope is set to its lowest magnification, it has virtually no magnification at all. It should feel like you are looking through a tube with no zoom, similar to a red dot sight. This is crucial for speed. It allows you to shoot with both eyes open, maintaining full situational awareness and making it easy to track moving targets. Some cheaper scopes might be labeled as 1-x but actually have a slight magnification, like 1.1x or 1.25x. This might not sound like much, but it can break your focus and slow you down in a dynamic situation.