The 6.5 Creedmoor has become the go-to centerfire rifle cartridge made in the 21st century for marksmen. The quality of a rifle scope should be in no way inferior to the quality of your cartridge or firearm.
The best scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor must have some essential features to be useful for hunting and shooting sports for years. A fundamental factor in a good riflescope is its sturdiness. The best optics are of no use to you if the scope has poor construction. In addition to being remarkably robust, the riflescope must, of course, also fulfill its second essential function – it must give you a clear view of your target.
In our review, we will present you with the top-rated scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor from different manufacturers. We will discuss their objective lens diameter, magnification, the field of view, eye relief, and reticle focal plane, among other essential technical features that are important for each model.
More features: fully multi-coated optics, aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof, fog-proof, shockproof, adjustable objective, a fast-focus eyepiece
The Vortex Crossfire II is a waterproof and shockproof riflescope with a magnification power that ranges from 6 to 18x. It comes from Vortex, one of the strongest companies in the scope market. Vortex provides high-quality services and assures you of the best performance of its products with a lifetime guarantee.
The acronym AO, a term which is often used when describing the rifle scope, stands for “adjustable objective.” It identifies sights with a parallax corrector. It serves to correct the so-called parallax error, which is a precision error that can occur over long distances due to the way we put the eye to take a shot, and the error can be eliminated with this setting.
And it will most likely serve you well in a shooting range and many hunting applications.
The Vortex Crossfire II line of scopes exceeds the performance standards of other scopes, but it comes at a relatively low to average price range. At a length of 36.32 cm and weight of 598 grams, it is quite lightweight and easy to handle. We think it is the best Vortex scope for 6.5 Creedmoor.
What we liked: It is built with lightweight and high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum. It offers the best resistance and an ideal weight for stalking and hunting. Also, it’s probably the best budget scope for 6.5 Creedmoor on the market.
What could be better: Unfortunately, the image is not very stable when you fire large cartridges.
More features: fog and water-resistant, aircraft-grade aluminum construction comes with 30mm medium profile scope ring, battery, lens cloth, flip-up covers, honeycomb sunshade
The Monstrum G2 rifle scope has a switchable red and green illumination of the crosshair with several brightness levels. You can mount the rifle scope on an air and hunting rifle and use an ergonomic rotating ring to enlarge it continuously for six to 24 times. Also, the Monstrum rifle scope is waterproof.
It should be easy for you to calculate the distance between you and your target with the help of the rifle scope. Fast and safe installation is also promised. On top of that, it is quite affordable. Yet, its design remains sturdy, and it arrives with some useful accessories included.
What we liked: It has a wide and continuous magnification range between 6 to 24 times. The switchable red and green lighting helps a lot, and it is suitable for air and hunting rifles.
What could be better: It’s a bit difficult to put on and adjust the illumination.
More features: lightweight and compact, waterproof, fog-proof, 5:1 zoom ratio, high-speed power selector with integrated throw lever, a fast-focus eyepiece
This Mark 5HD model from Leupold boasts of excellent features that place it at the top of its range. It shares space with the best brands and models. It has a ratio of magnification between 7 to 35x and a bell of 56 mm. Also, the reticle TMOA Plus is in the first flat focal.
This product has been subjected to the Punisher, a machine manufactured by Leupold that simulates recoil from shots. Each model is subjected to 5,000 impacts to test its resistance. After these tests, the relevant design adjustments are made.
The Leupold scope for 6.5 Creedmoor incorporates the fast-focus system for the eyepiece. The lenses are of military level with a protective coating against scratches. Additionally, a lot of work has been done to reduce its weight up to 600 g when compared to other scopes in the same range.
It also incorporates the Custom Dial System ZeroLock2 system for the height turret. This allows establishing positions quickly. You only need to press the lock button and turn it at the same time. Another thing we like about this system is its easy and fast zeroing.
It incorporates a knob to control the intensity of the lighting, with clear indicators of the intensity level.
What we liked: We like the Twilight Max HD system. It helps manage twilight light to ensure perfect harmony between the color and contrast of the displayed image. It is capable of reducing the brightness of a frontal light by up to 90%.
What could be better: There’s nothing to be worried about except for the price. The product is quite expensive.
More features: fully multi-coated XD lenses, an aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof, fog-proof, shockproof, fast-focus eyepiece, exposed tactical-style turrets
The Vortex Viper line is a series of high power optics for hunting. If you want to see every detail, trust the clear vision provided by the Vortex Viper scopes, and you won’t regret it.
With the HS-T model, Vortex has created a middle ground between its tactically oriented PST line and its hunting oriented HS line.
The HST stands for Hunting Shooting Tactical. This line of scope sights offers shooting versatility for hunters as well as tactical enthusiasts.
Next, two variations can be found on this scope for 6.5 Creedmoor hunting rifle: 6-24 × 50 and 4-16 × 44. The reticles in these scopes are in the second focal plane. You can use them in any lighting condition without straining to see your target. Also, it offers excellent eye relief.
If you don’t need an illuminated scope and want a high-quality scope for accurate distance shooting, then purchasing the Viper HST scope is a smart investment. It’s our best long-range scope for 6.5 Creedmoor.
What we liked: We like its high-quality construction and the revered Vortex VIP guarantee. If you want great long-range scope and don’t need an illuminated reticle, then you may love the Vortex scope for 6.5 Creedmoor.
What could be better: The reticle is not illuminated.
More features: fully multi-coated optics, excellent light transmission, aircraft-grade aluminum, argon purging
If you are new to the TLD or want to get started, then the Athlon Argos model is what you are looking for. This scope has features that are normally only found on high-end models.
The product has 6-24 times magnification, which makes it versatile in several shooting disciplines.
It also features True Precision Zero Stop Turrets, advanced fully multi-coated optics that provide a bright, crystal-clear image in low-light environments.
A robust mechanical system features a special design, which provides ultimate resistance to recoil to withstand at 1000G for 1000 times.
What we liked: This illuminated reticle is an aiming aid when it’s dark. It also has a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
What could be better: It is not intended to be used in sunny weather on a clear target (the red illumination will not be visible).
More features: aircraft-grade aluminum, waterproof and weather-resistant, 100 MOA elevation travel, ideal for fast aiming
The Nightforce Optics 5.5-22 × 56 NXS riflescope is one of the best long-range scopes that has been well built to all military specifications.
The scope’s 56 mm objective lens can provide high clarity with good resolution throughout the magnification range. Its wide magnification allows precision in the longest range. Even at 5.5, its power is still quite effective for shooting at close range.
It is an extremely powerful sniper scope with a 22x top end. Its extra-large lens gives users a fairly wide view beyond 1000 yards.
The technical MOA lets the user make easy adjustments with the knobs. Also, the scope features a wider crosshair around the edges. You can use the adjustment knobs with the grid so you can make accurate and easy calculations. The slim and refined scopes have a narrow diameter.
What we liked: It has an incredibly high power range, as well as a MOAR reticle/adjustment system. It also comes with some other amazing features, for example, a zero stop, an extended eye relief, and a narrow body.
What could be better: It’s a bit expensive. Above, you can find all the reasons why it costs so much.
More features: IPX-7 waterproof, O-ring sealed, throw hammer throw lever, EXO barrier protection lens coating
Bushnell brings us the Elite Tactical 3.5-21×50 scope with an illuminated G3 reticle. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum in a matt black color for a much more tactical look. Also, the scope has multiple technologies that make it one of the best scopes for shooters over 1000 meters.
The scope has up to 21x magnification, perfect for long-distance shooters. The eyepiece has a Throwhammer lever with which you can adjust the magnification with great precision.
The Bushnell scope’s tactical turrets offer exceptional adjustability with 10 Mils per turn. The correction per click is from 1cm to 100m. Next, the parallax adjustment turret has a wheel for setting the illumination. Turrets are equipped with RevLimiter zero stop technology for quick and easy zero return.
It is a highly recommended scope for shooters taking shots at more than 1,000 meters. It’s a sharp, reliable, and accurate scope that demanding shooters will love.
What we liked: The diameter of the tube is 34mm, and the lens is 50mm, which allows more light to enter the scope. This makes it ideal for long-distance shooting shots, even in low light conditions.
What could be better: At 34oz, it is very heavy and may be a problem transporting and handling.
More features: adjustable windage and elevation, waterproof and fog-proof construction
As for the Beileshi 6-24X50 AOEG Optics Hunting Rifle Scope, it has between 6X and 24X magnification, as implied by the name. It also comes with a 50 mm objective lens. One of the more unique elements of this scope is the objective lens is adjustable. It can be moved by rotating the parallax dial on the front end of the scope. Speaking of the lenses, the glass in this model is multi-coated for a clearer view of your targets, not to mention it doesn’t scratch easily.
Each scope offers between 2.8 and 3.3 inches of eye relief to cater to different individuals. Furthermore, it ships with heavy-duty ring mounts that work with 20mm Picatinny or weaver rails. They’re also durable enough to handle recoil without damaging the scope.
Reticle designs include either green or red options with five illumination levels.
Additionally, the scope is made from durable aluminum alloy. It’s also designed to be shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. Therefore, bad weather such as rain or fog while you’re hunting shouldn’t be much of a concern.
Next, the windage and elevation adjustment knobs are well-designed, ensuring adjustments are quick and easy. They’re also quite accurate.
More features: waterproof, fog-proof, shockproof, multi-coated lenses, zero stop, nitrogen filled, advanced windage and elevation adjustment
The Burris Veracity 5-25x50mm was developed to exceed the limits of long-range hunting and to always provide the required performance for long-range precision shooting. It’s perfect for hunting and for any other long-range use where accuracy is critical.
The Ballistic Plex E1 FFP reticle offers trajectory compensation of up to 600 yards (approx. 548m). This is used for Burris Veracity riflescopes with higher magnification.
Sloping points to the left and right of the reticle help to compensate for crosswinds quickly and easily. The design of the first image plane means that the trajectory compensation and wind references are accurate at any magnification.
What we liked: The strong, tapered reticle in FFP design makes it very user-friendly and ensures its visibility even at low magnification.
What could be better: It may be too bulky and large for some users. Also, the size of the reticle may not be easy to use at low and high zoom.
More features: water, shock, and fog-resistant, capped windage turret, slim design
The impact-resistant Vudu Precision from EOTECH has a brightness control in 10 levels with red and green lighting for a high degree of reticle clarity independent of day and night. This allows you to focus on your target even in poor lighting conditions. Also, the magnification adjustment from 5 to 25 times is very high compared to the other rifle scopes that we introduce to you.
Pay attention to quality! Many amateur shooters invest more money in the weapon and save on the rifle scope. For a high level of accuracy, you should make sure that your rifle scope is just as high quality as your rifle.
The lens has a large diameter of 50 millimeters. Like all riflescopes, this model is filled with nitrogen and is, therefore, waterproof and protected against fogging. If you know the approximate size of an object, you can estimate the distance fairly well. The parallax compensation also offers a way of estimating a distance. When you focus on the image, you can read the distance to the target on the scale.
What we liked: It has parallax compensation for higher accuracy. The batteries for the rangefinder as well as a sunshade are included in the package. Thus, it’s one of our best hunting scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor.
What could be better: The glass clarity could be better.
More features: waterproof, fog proof and shockproof, quick-focus eyepiece and side focus parallax adjustment, zero stop, illuminated reticle with 10 brightness levels
The Nikon Black FX1000 is a rifle scope at competition level with a reticle in the first image plane. This rifle scope has been designed so that you can get your farthest shots with ultimate precision!
The Nikon Black FX1000 will amaze long-range shooters and raise expectations previously placed on long-range riflescopes.
For a quick return to zero, Nikon’s new zero-stop was built into the height adjustment system of the FX1000 for the first time.
The company’s reticles “FX-MOA” and “FX-MRAD” were designed exclusively for the lens system with a first image plane built into “Black” riflescopes.
These reticles were developed to optimize the image and provide the shooter with a handy tool for distance measurement and the simple implementation of height and side corrections.
Models with an illuminated reticle offer 10 intensity levels, each with an “OFF” level in between. The switch is located on the left adjustment tower.
Height and windage adjustment towers offer a 10 MRAD click adjustment per revolution with a total adjustment range of 17 MRAD each. The markings are clearly visible so that the settings can be carried out quickly.
What we liked: The reticles are super-fine and detailed, but at the same time, they are extremely robust to reproduce perfect colors and contrasts in all lighting conditions for many years.
What could be better: The device is a bit expensive, and the mounting system could be improved.
What should you pay particular attention to when buying the best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor? There are a lot of things to know about choosing rifle scopes. After our reviews, it’s time to learn more details about the individual features that are important for you. Also, we’ll answer some of the frequently asked questions to make sure you are fully informed before making a final decision.
There are a few factors and features that can determine whether you will be completely satisfied with your new riflescope. Above all, compare the various scope models very precisely based on the following aspects, which we will explain to you in detail below. If you face difficulties with the specs in the future, it’s a great idea to refer back to this section!
Both the magnification range and the diameter of the lens are important parameters to look out for. The lens diameter is given in millimeters.
While compact riflescopes have smaller lenses, this is not necessarily a disadvantage. If you want to be able to aim and shoot quickly, a compact scope makes a lot of sense. Glasses that are suitable for driven hunts have a comparatively small lens diameter of 24 to 30 millimeters.
The larger the lens, the more powerful it is. This means that you can still shoot safely in poor lighting conditions. A larger lens is particularly ideal for high-seat and stalking hunts. With both featuring 56 mm objective lens diameter, the Leupold Mark 5HD and the NightForce NXS Tactical Scope are the best in this aspect in our review.
The zoom factor is a key question before buying a riflescope. If you do not need the riflescope for observation but only for shooting, a maximum of eighteen times magnification is sufficient. For long distances, a magnification of up to 24 or more is very good for observing your target. Still, shooting is generally done at smaller magnifications.
If you shoot with higher magnification at short distances such as 300 meters, you will rock yourself. This means that you can see your breathing and muscle tension change your hold point. You start to fight it. This is called “rocking up”. With a lower magnification, you simply shoot in a more relaxed way.
If you have the opportunity to test various scopes on-site before buying them, that’s ideal. With each model of your choice, check how well you can aim at a target at a further distance, even in difficult lighting conditions. In general, the image should be sharp and rich in contrast.
Choose scopes that have anti-reflective coatings. With these, you’ll get improved brightness than in models with just raw glasses. Next, consider the weather resistance. Ensure your scope is fog proof, waterproof, and also shockproof. Models with lens purged with nitrogen are the most recommended. Examples are the Burris Veracity Riflescope and the EOTECH Vudu Precision Riflescope.
The size of the field, which you can see while looking through your rifle scope at 100 meters or yards out, is what is called the field of view. When the magnification is high, you’ll have a smaller view. Thus, it can be important if you are tracking the prey.
The eye relief can be said to be the distance from the lens which your eyes need in seeing the full picture. Most standard eye reliefs are approximately four inches. As for the cheaper models, they can have eye reliefs that are of 3 inches.
Be careful not to use scopes with smaller eye relief, especially if you have a more powerful rifle. You can get the classic scope ring on the forehead.
The reticle is the crosshair that you see in the scope image. The bars of this crosshair can be fine or thick. Fine but visible bars are recommended.
The reticle can be designed as a simple crosshair or have a complex scale with which you can estimate distances. There are also illuminated and non-illuminated reticles. For example, the Nikon Black FX1000 and EOTECH Vudu Precision are great scopes with illumination.
If you generally want to use the riflescope in daylight, a non-illuminated reticle will do just fine. It offers some advantages over illuminated reticles. In good lighting conditions, non-illuminated reticles are always clearly visible and, even at high magnification, remain fine and hardly cover the target. Also, non-illuminated reticles are, of course, cheaper than illuminated ones.
If you plan to use your riflescope frequently at dusk, an illuminated reticle is very important. Illuminated reticles usually have a dot or a target cross. With some models, you can regulate the brightness and adapt it to the lighting conditions. Some illuminated reticles are also suitable for driven hunts in daylight, as they make target acquisition easier and faster.
A reticle with illumination has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
Cons:
The easiest way to learn the difference between a first focal plane or a second focal plane is to simply look through it while rotating the magnifying ring to change the power setting of the scope.
If the reticle seems to get bigger as you change the magnification settings, this is a first focal plane scope. If the reticle looks the same regardless of the magnification, it is a second focal plane scope. Now that we know what we’re looking at let’s take a look at their advantages.
The second focal plane is best suited for those who:
The first focal plane is best suited for those who:
The parallax compensation function, which some riflescopes have, prevents the shooter from aiming errors when looking through the eyepiece at an angle. If you look into the scope at an angle, there will be a reading error.
Riflescopes up to 100 meters are usually parallax-free. This means that the image plane is exactly at the height of the reticle plane. Also, there are no deviations when viewing is angled. This applies up to a twelve-fold magnification.
Deviations only arise with higher zoom factors and greater shooting distances. The image plane and the reticle plane are then no longer at the same height. A riflescope that is designed for long distances must have parallax compensation.
Having the right length and weight is nothing but for ease of use and handling. Weighty and long scopes will be very bulky, difficult to handle, and may not improve the overall accuracy of your firearm set. Meanwhile, lightweight models have moderate length and may be made of aircraft-grade aluminum, i.e., the NightForce NXS Tactical Scope. They’re easier to carry around and to use.
The price of a riflescope depends very much on the lens coating, the material used, the workmanship, and the brand. The build quality can vary slightly to strongly with different scope models.
Devices in the middle price range are of good quality in all areas. Riflescopes for long distances usually also have parallax compensation and are adjustable on the sides and in height. But top-class scopes also have correspondingly high imaging capabilities that you may not necessarily need for your purposes. For instance, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is an optimal option that doesn’t cost much. If you are looking for high-end models, we recommend the Leupold Mark 5HD with its durable build.
Simple riflescopes are available for as little as under $50. The prices for a middle-class scope or even a top-class scope have room for improvement and range from $300 to $3,000.
It is best to use a cord with an attached weight for assembly, whose gravity creates a vertical line to the ground. Aim at this line and turn the riflescope until the cord and the line of the reticle match. Finally, shoot the rifle at the new scope. You adjust the elevation and windage until the target hit point, and the real hit point are on top of each other.
Be sure that you mount the riflescope firmly and correctly. If the riflescope is not attached securely enough, it can wobble and slip when aiming.
The best firearm round deserves the best gun and riflescope. And because the 6.5 Creedmoor is a top-of-the-line cartridge, this is why we brought you the reviews and guide of the best scopes to use alongside your new firearm. If you’re yet to decide, check out our final verdict.
Our Editor’s Choice is, without doubt, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II. We have chosen this because it is a waterproof and shockproof model with a magnification power that ranges from 6 to 18x. It’s one of the best scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor on the market.
The model with the best value for money is the Monstrum G2 Riflescope. The scope has a switchable red and green illumination of the crosshair with several brightness levels. Also, you can mount the rifle scope on an air and hunting rifle.
Our Premium Pick is the Leupold Mark 5HD. This scope has been subjected to the Punisher, a machine manufactured by Leupold that simulates recoil to ensure its durability.