Best 1-8x Scopes of 2022 – Various Top Picks Reviewed

Best Overall:
Vortex Optics - Strike Eagle 1-8X24MM Scope AR-BDC2 Reticle

You don’t need to take our word for it, as countless hunters would agree that the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is a top choice for a 1-8x powered scope. It’s not the most premium scope on our list, but it does get very close. What we love is that it is full-featured, well-made, durable, useful for almost any type of hunter, and very well-priced. All of this makes it an obvious choice for our top scope.

Constructed from a single piece of 30mm aircraft-quality aluminum with an O-ring seal and nitrogen purging, it is proofed against shock, fog, and water.

As for the view, the lenses are fully multi-coated for optimum brightness in virtually any conditions, offering a crisp and clean picture. The BDC reticle is glass-etched and illuminated, with 11 settings for whatever lighting condition you find yourself in. Windage, elevation, and parallax are all adjustable in ½ MOA increments with capped turrets which are easily within reach and produce audible clicks.

Additionally, an included mount makes installation simple and easy, while the battery, while it rarely needs changing, is easily accessible from the top of the unit between the turrets.

This solid construction, ample feature set, ease of use, and great performance are not encumbered by a large price tag, either. Providing exceptional value and even a lifetime warranty, the Vortex Optics Eagle Strike is the 1-8x magnification scope to beat.

Bottom Line

It’s hard to find faults with the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x, which is precisely why it’s become a big favorite amongst hunters. With a great price point, the excellent picture at any magnification level or light condition, solid construction, and even a lifetime warranty, it should certainly be sufficient for most hunters.

Best 1-8x Scope for the Money:
Trijicon RS27-C-1900026 AccuPower Riflescope, 1-8x28mm

While the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8x is offered at a great price point, it’s difficult to beat the value of the Trijicon AccuPower, which, while pricier, gives you a heck of a lot more for your money.

For starters, you have a 28mm objective lens as compared to a standard 24mm objective lens. As stated prior to our reviews, a wider objective lens is a great advantage, as it gives you a bigger view. This is critical when zooming in, as you’ll have about 17% greater view, requiring less precision when initially acquiring targets. Not only that, but the wider lens also means unbeatable brightness.

You also get more finely-tuned adjustable turrets, which do produce an audible click every ¼ MOA turn. Additionally, these adjustments are lockable and hold exceptionally well. Meanwhile, a fully-illuminated reticle etched into the first focal plane provides excellent crispness in any lighting condition.

As you should expect from a scope from Trijicon, it is made from a durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a black nitride finish for maximum stealth. It also resists corrosion while being fully proofed for water, fog, and shock.

This being Trijicon, you also get an American-made product backed by a lifetime warranty.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the higher price tag of the Trijicon AccuPower fool you. Though it’s pricier than our top pick, you will get an incredible value. With a wide objective lens and super-precise adjustments, it will take your hunting to the next level.

Best Primary Arms 1-8x Scope:
Primary Arms 1-8x24 SFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated ACSS 5.56 \ 5.45 \ .308 Reticle

Primary Arms is a big name in scopes and their top scope for 1-8x magnification makes it easy to see why.

For starters, you get the proprietary ACSS reticle, which intelligently combines bullet drop compensation, moving target leads and wind holds into one single system. This will take a short while to understand if you’re used to more basic reticles, but if you put in the minimal effort to understand how it works, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without its assistance. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast precision up to 300 yards and superb accuracy retention up to 800 yards.

The view is crystal-clear through its 24mm diameter, thanks to multi-coated lenses. Windage and elevation are adjustable with ½ MOA clicks on capped turrets. Additionally, the turrets are low profile.

Construction is also excellent, as the unit is made from 6063 aluminum with full waterproofing and a nitrogen purge ensures fog resistance. It is also black anodized to resist corrosion. This unit also resists reflection particularly well, making it one of the stealthier of the bunch.

All in all, it is a solid scope that we do find to be very comparable to our top choice. The real deciding and stand-out feature here is the ACSS reticle, and whether that justifies the added expense. We believe that this scope might be a better value for shooters who tend to shoot on the longer end of the range, as bullet drop and other factors are a bigger concern at long ranges. Of course, anyone who shoots in windier areas will also really like this feature.

Bottom Line

This excellent scope from Primary Arms is a particularly useful tool for shooters who prefer shooting from afar, or who often find themselves in adverse weather. Its proprietary reticle gives hunters an edge against wind and bullet drop.

Best Shepherd 1-8x Scope:
Shepherd Scopes Series 1-8x24 R-MIL

We love Shepherd Scopes for their incredible commitment to craftsmanship. Their products are made in the United States, down to each component, and the difference is obvious from the moment you look through the glass.

The lenses are multi-coated and offer a crystal-clear picture that surpasses the clarity of any scope in its price range. The 24mm objective diameter consistently captures excellent light for superb shooting in any level of illumination, while a red or green reticle of variable brightness ensures you can nail your target with the utmost of care. The reticle itself is a super-precise, highly advanced variant of a mil-dot and crosshair hybrid with bullet drop indications.

Thanks to its sturdy construction, it reliably holds zero over time. Fully-adjustable windage and elevation on capped turrets provide precise ¼ MOA adjustments with an audible click. Additionally, the dials are well-textured and turn smoothly, with just enough resistance.

The material itself is aircraft-grade aluminum with a black nitride finish. It is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed. You’ll enjoy reflection, corrosion, shock, and fog resistance along with waterproofing. Shepherd has created a truly rugged piece of equipment.

Ultimately, the reticle is the only particularly unique feature. It’s not quite as advanced or intrusive as the Primary Arms reticle, making it a great compromise for those who want something a bit simpler. Where it really shines, however, is in the quality of the manufacturing. It’s a bit pricier than some others on our list, but if you want a solid, made-in-America scope designed and built to last, you can’t beat this unit.

Bottom Line

Shepherd Scopes produces premium scopes that are handmade in the United States from only the best parts. While it is not a massive departure in terms of features, those with a budget for a high-quality build will love this durable option.

Best Bushnell 1-8x Scope:
Bushnell Tactical Elite SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm Illuminated BTR-2 FFP Reticle Riflescope

Are you looking for your “lifetime scope?” Do you just want to know what the best scope on our list is when cost isn’t a factor?

If you’ve got the budget to go with the best of the best, we introduce you to the Bushnell Tactical Elite SMRS. There are other scopes that are this good, but this scope—while pricier than the rest on the list, yes—costs substantially less than its high-end peers and packs in the best features around.

Let’s start with the optics. Utilizing the absolute best glass around (think the same quality as the glass in Shepherd scopes) combined with a special, proprietary multi-coat, light shines through in the absolute darkest of situations. Not only that, but you’ll swear your view is clearer than with the naked eye. It’s simply that good.

Additionally, you get an excellent reticle. The smart design combines several reticle styles into one for great precision at short or long ranges. Mil-hash marks enable superb holdover, ranging, and windage correction with super-crisp visual indications. Illumination for 11 lighting conditions has been carefully calibrated to always be perfect. The turrets themselves use a proprietary T-Lok for top-notch security.

The tube itself is made from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum with no stress points. It is given a black anodized finish for corrosion resistance and a sleek, reflection-resistant matte. Going the distance, Bushnell has opted for argon purging over nitrogen, along with O-ring sealing, to provide unbeatable protection from water, fog, shock, and other environmental concerns.

One of the coatings on the lenses is a Rain Guard HD coat which keeps water off the glass and it works perfectly well for dirt and debris, too. Of course, for a premium product like this, you’d expect a warranty, and you’ve got it—for life.

Bottom Line

Objectively, the Bushnell 1-8x is probably the best scope on our list, although its price is likely prohibitive for many readers. That said, if you’re looking for a “lifetime scope”, the premium build and high-end features of this scope are unbeatable. It should be the ultimate goal of any serious hunter.

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