Looking to elevate your shooting experience without breaking the bank? Look no further than the best cheap scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. This article will take you through scopes that are game-changer that combines affordability and exceptional performance. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned marksman seeking a budget-friendly scope, this review is for you.
What is The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Rifle Scope?
The main difference between cheap and expensive rifle scopes is their optical quality, construction, and features. One of the main features is the expensive rifle scopes tend to have First Focal Plane, they also have high-quality glass and coatings, providing superior clarity and light transmission, while cheaper ones may have lower-grade materials, resulting in reduced image quality.
Additionally, not all cheap scopes are bad quality. You may find brands like Vortex which tend to make scopes of good quality that vary in different prices from as low as $150 to more than $2000.
What is The Range for 6.5 Creedmoor?
The effective range of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges may vary depending on factors such as the specific rifle, the type of bullet used, environmental conditions, and the shooter’s skill level. However, for precision shooting and hunting purposes falls within the 500 to 800 yards range.
What is 6.5 Creedmoor Equivalent to?
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a popular and versatile rifle cartridge. It is Comparable to cartridges like the .260 Remington, 6.5x55mm Swedish, and 6.5x47mm Lapua. The 6.5 Creedmoor has also gained popularity among target shooters, hunters, and competitive shooters for its moderate recoil and versatility.
Best Cheap Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope is a very affordable scope with high-end quality features for your 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges.
With a combination of its 3-9x magnification range and a large 50mm objective lens, this scope offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, making it ideal for low-light conditions and ensuring a clear and bright sight picture. Whether you are shooting in short or long range.
It is built with durability and can withstand recoil and tough environments. It is also lightweight for maneuverable without sacrificing ruggedness.
The second focal plane reticle comes in handy as it maintains its size throughout the magnification range. This means that the reticle’s subtensions remain constant and are suitable for accurate holdovers, windage, and elevation adjustments at any magnification setting.
Last but not least the scope features outstanding features like the capped reset turrets, that provide audible and tactile clicks, making it easy to zero your rifle and reset to zero after making adjustments.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inches
- Exit Pupil: 5.56 – 16.67 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Length: 12.7 inches
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Pros
- Affordable and high quality
- It is fully multi-coated
- Long eye relief
- Has Capped Reset Turrets
- Second Focal Plane Reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm 1in Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope, belongs to the most trusted brand known to produce good scope at affordable price.
It is a popular scope as it has a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, offering a good balance between field of view and light transmission, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
As with many Vortex scopes, it is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, providing waterproof and fog-proof performance. It also has capped reset turrets that offer tactile clicks and allow for easy adjustments to windage and elevation.
Having the 1-inch tube construction of aircraft-grade aluminum, it is provided with durability and ensured that the scope can handle the recoil of various firearms.
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 inches
- Length: 11.6 inches
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- It is fully multi-coated
- Hard anodized finish
- Has a Precision-Force Spring System
- Has a Precision-Glide Erector System
- Has fast-focus eyepiece
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- None
3) Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Rifle Scope
On to the next, we have the Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Rifle Scope, It is light in weight scope but heavy on features that will improve your precision with every shot.
The magnification power of 2.5x provides shooters with a balanced field of view that allows for quick target acquisition at closer ranges, and the 20mm objective lens diameter ensures ample light transmission, thus enabling a clear and bright image, even in low-light conditions.
It is built with high-quality optimal features such as Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, which offers excellent light transmission even in low light conditions.
Constructed with rugged construction and not to forget the waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof features that ensure reliable performance even in inclement weather.
Specifications
- Magnification: 2.5 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Eye Relief: 4.9 inches
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Weight: 6.5 oz
- Exit Pupil: 8 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Very lightweight
- Has Index Matched Lens System
- 100% Waterproof and Fogproof
Cons
- Magnification is not versatile.
4) Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24X50mm Rifle Scope marks the first FFP scope in our list.
The scope has a variable magnification range of 6x to 24x, allowing shooters to engage targets at both close and extended distances with ease.
With a 50mm objective lens diameter, the scope has excellent light-gathering capability, thus providing a clear and bright image even in low-light conditions.
The First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle means that the reticle’s subtensions and markings change in size proportionally with the magnification adjustments.
Featuring the exposed target turrets with precise click adjustments makes it outstanding. The advanced fully multi-coated optics also reduces reflected light and increases the transmission of light giving you a brighter image than normal single-coated lenses.
Additionally, it is constructed from high-quality materials and is built to withstand rugged conditions. It is also shockproof, waterproof, and nitrogen purged to prevent fogging.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches
- Exit Pupil: 8.2 – 2.1 mm
- Weight: 30.3 oz
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
Pros
- Fully multi-coated
- Versatile magnification power
- Has First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Has zero stop feature
Cons
- Heavier
5) Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, on the Best Cheap Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor, we have the Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18x44mm Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane.
The scope has nitrogen purged and a sealed O-ring, which ensures high water and fog-proof performance. It is also built with a compact design keeping the overall rifle setup lightweight and manageable.
Offering a variable magnification range from 6x to 18x, it is suitable for both long-range shooting and medium-range shooting. The 44mm objective lens diameter ensures there is good lighting in the scope.
Featuring the adjustable objective (AO) on the scope allows for parallax correction, which is very advantageous while shooting at various distances.
Specifications
- Magnification: 6 – 18 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.4 – 7.3 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4.3 inches
- Weight: 19.6 oz
- Length: 13.5 inches
Pros
- Has excellent water and fog-proof performance
- It is fully multi-coated
- Long eye relief
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Capped Reset Turrets
- Adjustable Objective
Cons
- None
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Cheap Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor
When looking for the best cheap scope for 6.5 Creedmoor, there are several important factors to consider. They include:
- Optics Quality: When looking for an affordable scope, make sure the scope has optics quality. Look for fully multi-coated lenses that provide excellent light transmission and clarity.
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) vs. First Focal Plane (FFP): Both the SFP and FFP reticles have their advantages. But it is well known that SFP scope is less pricy. But also choose based on your shooting needs and budget.
- Durability: Always look for scopes with durable construction that withstand heavy and harsh conditions and maintain zero during recoil and rough handling. Also, check waterproof and fog proof performance.
- Adjustments and Turrets: Look for a scope with easy-to-use turrets and reliable and repeatable adjustments.
- Eye Relief: Ensure that the scope has long eye relief to prevent scope bite and provide a comfortable shooting experience.
- User Reviews: Research user reviews and feedback on the scope model you are considering because real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into the scope’s performance and reliability.
FAQS
Q: What is the best magnification range for a cheap scope for 6.5 Creedmoor?
A: The best magnification range for a cheap scope of 6.5 Creedmoor varies on different factors such as shooting preferences and the intended shooting distances. For general shooting scenarios, a variable magnification scope with a range of around 3-9x or 4-16x would be suitable.
Q: Can I get a good quality scope for 6.5 Creedmoor on a budget?
A: Yes, there are budget-friendly scopes with good features from trusted brands.
Q: What is the difference between First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles?
A: The main difference between the FFP and the SSP is the location of the reticle in scope and how it affects the scope when you change the magnification.
In FFP scopes, the reticle’s subtensions remain accurate at all magnification levels, and in SFP scopes keep the reticle size constant.
Conclusion
We hope this review will help you narrow down the such to your best cheap scope for 6.5 Creedmoor. The scopes deliver impressive optics, durability, and essential features for accurate shooting. This scope proves that affordability doesn’t have to compromise quality.
Also, note that Vortex offers the most affordable scope, the Athlon is not also left behind as it offers FFP scopes that have an affordable price, and great features such as precision and durability. Enjoy Your Hunt!
Also, check out 5 Best Vortex Scopes for Coyote Hunting