Finding a riflescope that balances performance, durability, and cost can feel like a marksmanship challenge in itself. For hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical enthusiasts, the 1-6x Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) has become a gold standard for versatility. It offers the rapid target acquisition of a red dot at 1x magnification and the precision of a magnified scope when you dial it up to 6x.
This roundup is dedicated to scopes that deliver exceptional quality without demanding a premium budget. We have compiled a list of eight standout options from trusted brands, each offering a unique set of features. Whether you prioritize a sophisticated reticle, rugged construction, or a generous eye box, there is a model here designed to meet your needs and enhance your shooting experience.
Our Top Picks for Budget 1-6x Scopes
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
- Monstrum Spectre 1-6×24 LPVO Rifle Scope
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 SFP Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Rifle Scope
- Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope
- Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO 1-4×24 Guerrilla Dot BDC
- Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm Illuminated Rifle Scope
- Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm LPVO Scope
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is built for speed and adaptability across various shooting situations. Its true 1x magnification on the low end allows for rapid, both-eyes-open shooting at close ranges, while the 6x top end provides the detail needed for more precise shots at distance. The updated design includes a thread-in throw lever, making magnification changes fast and intuitive.
This model features the illuminated BDC3 reticle in the second focal plane. This reticle is designed to help the shooter’s eye find the target faster, with holdover points that are usable out to 650 yards on targets of known size. The magnification indicators are now visible without the shooter having to break their cheek weld, a small but significant detail for maintaining situational awareness.
Monstrum Spectre 1-6×24 LPVO Rifle Scope
The Monstrum Spectre offers a feature-rich LPVO experience at an accessible price point. It comes with an integrated throw lever for smooth and rapid adjustment of the 1-6x magnification range. This scope is designed to provide high visibility and a clean sight picture across its entire magnification spectrum.
It utilizes a second focal plane MX1 box reticle with MOA hashmarks, which remains a consistent size at all power settings. The improved optics assembly results in a shorter overall scope with longer eye relief and a wider eye box. This makes it easier to acquire a sight picture quickly, even in dynamic shooting positions.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 1-4×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
As a cornerstone of the Vortex lineup, the Crossfire II 1-4×24 provides reliable performance for a wide range of firearms. It features a V-Brite reticle that uses a simple V-Plex format with an illuminated center dot for fast target acquisition in low-light conditions. The long eye relief and forgiving eye box contribute to quick and easy sight picture alignment.
Fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, providing bright and clear views. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle focusing, and the capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable for windage and elevation with audible MOA clicks. These turrets can be reset to zero after sighting in, which is a convenient feature for record-keeping.
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm Gen III is a serious contender, even earning a silver rating from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). Its 1-6x magnification range offers great versatility, and it houses one of the most respected reticle designs in the budget optics market.
This scope features the Second Focal Plane ACSS reticle, which is specifically engineered for 5.56, 5.45, and .308 calibers. The reticle includes intuitive holdovers and ranging information. The package is often bundled with a deluxe scope mount, providing excellent value and getting you ready to mount the optic on your rifle right out of the box.
Bushnell Optics 1-4x24mm Riflescope
Bushnell’s AR Optics 1-4x24mm scope is a feature-packed option designed for the modern sporting rifle. It is available with the SFP Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle, which provides hold points out to 600 yards. The exposed turrets allow for quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
A key feature is the Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever), which enables almost instantaneous magnification changes. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it has an IPX7 waterproof rating. The fully multi-coated optics ensure bright, high-contrast images, and its compact size makes it ideal for use alongside offset iron sights or a red dot.
Swampfox Tomahawk LPVO 1-4×24 Guerrilla Dot BDC
The Swampfox Tomahawk is an LPVO that emphasizes optical clarity and speed. It delivers a true 1x performance without the distracting “fish eye” effect found on some budget variable scopes, allowing for a natural, red-dot-like experience at its lowest setting.
This scope boasts an outstanding eye box, which facilitates fast target acquisition even when the shooter is not perfectly aligned. The result is an ultra-bright and flat sight picture that remains consistent across the entire field of view. This combination of features makes the Tomahawk a very capable optic for close-quarters and medium-range engagements.
Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm Illuminated Rifle Scope
The Burris RT-6 has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional glass clarity and bright illuminated reticle. Its 1-6x magnification provides great versatility, and many users note that the image quality rivals that of more expensive models. The scope is built to be durable and reliable under recoil and in tough environments.
It features a clean, intuitive illuminated reticle that is effective in both daylight and low-light conditions. The design prioritizes a wide field of view and an forgiving eye box, making it easy to use for shooters of all experience levels. The RT-6 is often praised as one of the best values in its class.
Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24mm LPVO Scope
Sig Sauer’s Tango-MSR brings the company’s renowned quality and feature set to the budget LPVO market. This 1-6x24mm scope is designed to be a robust and capable optic for a variety of applications. It often comes as a bundled package, including a mount, which adds significant value.
The scope features an illuminated reticle with holdovers, suitable for rapid firing and precision shots at extended ranges. Built to Sig Sauer’s high standards, it offers reliable performance and clear optics. The Tango-MSR is a solid choice for anyone looking to get a trusted brand name on their rifle without a hefty investment.
How to Choose the Best 8-6x Scopes for Quality on a Budget
When I’m looking for a new riflescope, I know that finding the right balance between performance and price is everything. The 8-6x magnification range is a sweet spot for many hunters and shooters, offering enough power for precise shots at medium to long ranges without being overly bulky or complex. If you’re after the best 8-6x scopes for quality on a budget, there are a few key things I always check before spending my money.
First up is the glass quality. This is the heart of any scope. You don’t need to pay for exotic glass, but you do need fully multi-coated lenses. This means every air-to-glass surface has multiple anti-reflective coatings. This makes a huge difference in light transmission, giving you a brighter and clearer image, especially during those critical low-light moments at dawn or dusk. A scope with poor coatings will look hazy and dark, making target identification difficult.
Next, consider the construction. I look for a scope made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. This one-piece tube is much more robust and reliable than multi-piece designs, and it keeps the scope nitrogen purged for fog-proof performance and waterproof integrity. The turrets are another big deal for me. I prefer exposed, tactile turrets that give a positive click with each adjustment. Even if you’re not dialing for windage and elevation constantly, knowing your adjustments are precise is crucial for confidence. Also, pay close attention to the parallax adjustment. A side-focus parallax knob is a feature I value highly, as it allows you to fine-tune the focus and eliminate parallax error at various distances, which directly improves shot accuracy.
Finally, think about the reticle. For a budget-friendly scope, a simple and clean reticle like a standard Duplex or Mil-Dot is often the best choice. It’s uncluttered, easy to see against different backgrounds, and doesn’t require a lot of mental math. Fancy illuminated reticles are nice, but they add cost and complexity, and on a tight budget, that money is better spent on the core optics and mechanics. By focusing on these fundamentals—good multi-coated glass, a solid one-piece tube, reliable turrets, and a sensible reticle—you can absolutely find a scope that performs well above its price point.
FAQ
What does the 8-6x number mean on a scope?
The first number, 8, refers to the magnification power. So, at its lowest setting, the scope makes your target appear 8 times closer than it does with your naked eye. The second number, 6, is the diameter of the objective lens (the lens at the front of the scope) in millimeters. A larger objective lens can gather more light, which generally contributes to a brighter image. This specific configuration is a fixed-magnification scope, meaning it doesn’t zoom; it’s set at 8x power.
Is a fixed 8x scope good for hunting?
Yes, a fixed 8x scope can be an excellent choice for many types of hunting, especially when you’re trying to get the best 8-6x scopes for quality on a budget. It’s perfect for open terrain or situations where your shots are typically at a known, longer range. Without the moving parts of a variable zoom scope, fixed-power scopes are often simpler, more durable, and less expensive. The trade-off is a lack of flexibility; you can’t zoom out for a wider field of view if an animal suddenly appears close to you.
What is the main advantage of a fixed-power scope over a variable?
The main advantages are simplicity, reliability, and often, optical clarity for the price. With fewer internal lenses that need to move for zooming, fixed-power scopes have a simpler optical path. This can mean better light transmission and a sharper image for your dollar. They are also mechanically more robust because there are fewer parts that can wear out or become misaligned from recoil or rough handling.
What should my budget be for a quality budget 8x scope?
You can find very capable entry-level and mid-range fixed 8x scopes in the $150 to $400 range. In this price bracket, you should expect fully multi-coated lenses, a fog-proof and waterproof one-piece tube, and reliable, repeatable adjustment turrets. While you won’t get the exceptional optical performance of a $1,000+ scope, you can absolutely get a tool that is clear, bright, and tough enough for most hunting and shooting applications.
Can I use a 8x scope on a .308 or other high-caliber rifle?
Absolutely. Most modern scopes in this category are built to withstand the recoil of common high-power hunting cartridges like .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and even magnum calibers. The key is to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the scope to ensure it is rated for the recoil energy of your specific firearm. As long as it is, a fixed 8x scope is a great match for the effective range of a .308.