Choosing the best scope for 6.8 SPC can completely transform your rifle’s performance. The 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) was developed to deliver superior terminal performance over the 5.56 NATO while maintaining low recoil and accuracy out to mid-range distances.
Pairing this potent round with the right optic ensures that you maximize its flat trajectory and stopping power—whether for hunting, tactical use, or long-range precision shooting.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the top scopes I’ve tested and trusted on 6.8 SPC rifles, highlighting real-world experiences and user insights.
Top Product List
Detailed Reviews
1. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II is a legend in the mid-to-long-range optics segment. I mounted it on my AR-15 chambered in 6.8 SPC using a 30mm Vortex Precision mount and ran it through 400 rounds of 110gr Hornady V-MAX.
Specs:
Reticle: EBR-2C (FFP, illuminated) Pros:
Razor-sharp glass quality Solid zero retention after hundreds of rounds Smooth, tactile turret adjustments Cons:
Slightly heavy for lightweight builds Illumination could be brighter in daylight Glass Clarity & Reticle:
Edge-to-edge clarity is superb with minimal chromatic aberration. The EBR-2C reticle in FFP allows for precise holdovers and range estimation—ideal for the 6.8 SPC’s flatter trajectory out to 600 yards.
Eye Relief & Eye Box:
Eye relief is generous at 3.4 inches, and the eye box is forgiving even at higher magnification.
Durability:
Built like a tank—performed flawlessly in both cold foggy mornings and hot range sessions.
Elevation & Windage:
Turrets click crisply with no play. Each click tracked perfectly in my box test.
Magnification & Parallax:
Crystal-clear through all power ranges with side parallax adjustment to 25 yards.
Mounting & Accessories:
Mounted effortlessly with 30mm rings; no lapping needed.
Personal Experience:
Held zero after 400 rounds and a full weekend of matches. I’ve also used this scope on a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt gun, proving its versatility.
Customer Insights:
Reddit shooters often call it the “do-it-all scope” under $1,000. Its reliability in field and competition is well documented.
Verdict:
Perfect match for those who want an optic that stretches the 6.8 SPC’s capabilities from 100 to 800 yards.
2. Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II Rifle Scope
The SLX Gen II from Primary Arms is one of my favorite budget-friendly scopes that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Specs:
Reticle: ACSS Athena BPR MIL Pros:
Exceptional reticle design for 6.8 SPC ballistics Smooth magnification ring Cons:
Slightly stiff parallax knob out of the box Glass Clarity & Reticle:
The ACSS Athena BPR MIL reticle offers intuitive ranging and wind holds. Perfect for fast shots on hogs or coyotes within 400 yards.
Eye Relief:
Consistent 3.5 inches, comfortable for recoil management.
Durability:
Shockproof and fog-resistant; handled a wet hunt in Texas flawlessly.
Elevation & Windage:
Precise clicks (0.1 MIL) with a tactile feel. Zero stop setup was straightforward.
Magnification & Parallax:
Image remains clear even at full 18x—ideal for the 6.8 SPC’s medium-range strengths.
Personal Experience:
Mounted on a Stag 6.8 upper, zeroed at 100 yards in 6 shots. Holds true even after 300 rounds.
Customer Feedback:
Users on Sniper’s Hide praise the ACSS reticle for intuitive holdovers and accurate tracking.
Verdict:
An unbeatable value optic for hunters and marksmen seeking precision under $600.
3. Trijicon Credo HX 2.5-15x42 Hunting Riflescope
The Credo HX stands out for hunters wanting a rugged, high-performance optic that’s battle-tested yet refined for the field.
Specs:
Reticle: MOA Center Dot Illuminated Pros:
Cons:
Pricey compared to mid-tier options Glass Clarity:
Image is true-to-life, and light transmission is outstanding during dawn hunts.
Eye Relief:
Generous and stable—no scope bite, even on a carbine-length 6.8 setup.
Durability:
Built to military standards. Survived drops, mud, and a week of Alaskan rain during field testing.
Turrets & Adjustments:
Positive and crisp clicks—perfect for repeatable adjustments in hunting conditions.
My Experience:
This scope paired with 120gr SST loads was devastating on hogs at 250 yards. The illumination setting was perfect under moonlight.
Online Feedback:
Hunters on forums praise the HX’s ruggedness and crystal-clear reticle illumination.
Verdict:
Ideal for hunters needing a high-end optic to match the versatility of the 6.8 SPC.
4. Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 FFP
If long-range precision is your goal, the Arken EP5 5-25x56 delivers elite performance at a mid-tier price.
Specs:
Pros:
Exceptional optical performance Cons:
Glass Clarity:
Outstanding for its price bracket—rivals optics twice its cost.
Eye Relief:
3.4 inches; comfortable but requires consistent cheek weld.
Durability:
Solid aluminum housing with waterproof and shockproof construction.
Experience:
I mounted it on an ARP 6.8 SPC-II with a 20 MOA mount—achieved sub-MOA groups at 500 yards consistently.
Customer Comments:
Redditors highlight the EP5’s reliability and optical clarity, calling it “the poor man’s Nightforce.”
Verdict:
A fantastic precision scope for extended-range 6.8 SPC builds.
5. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom is the classic, reliable optic for hunters who prefer simplicity and trust the Leupold name.
Specs:
Pros:
Crystal-clear glass for the price Cons:
Glass Clarity:
Leupold’s Twilight Light Management system makes it superb for dawn/dusk hunting.
Eye Relief:
4.2 inches—plenty for high-recoil or rapid-fire situations.
Durability:
Made in the USA, tested for impact and waterproofing.
Experience:
I used it for deer hunting on a 16” 6.8 SPC AR, making clean 200-yard shots with perfect clarity.
Customer Feedback:
Reviewers consistently praise its lightweight build and reliability.
Verdict:
Best lightweight hunting scope for 6.8 SPC shooters who want proven reliability.
How to Choose the Right Scope for the 6.8 SPC
When selecting the best scope for 6.8 SPC, consider:
Magnification Range: 3-9x for hunting; 4-16x or higher for precision shooting. Focal Plane: FFP for tactical and long-range; SFP for traditional hunting. Reticle Type: BDC or MIL/MOA with holdover points to match 6.8 SPC’s trajectory. Durability: Recoil-resistant, waterproof, fogproof design. Weight: Lighter optics suit AR builds; heavier ones benefit precision rifles. FAQs
1. What magnification is ideal for 6.8 SPC?
3-9x works best for hunting, while 4-16x or 5-25x suits long-range shooting.
2. Can I use a 5.56 scope on a 6.8 SPC?
Yes, but ballistic drop compensation may be off since 6.8 has a different trajectory.
3. Is 6.8 SPC good for deer hunting?
Absolutely. It delivers excellent terminal performance on deer up to 300 yards.
4. What mounts should I use?
Use 30mm or 34mm high-quality mounts, depending on your scope’s tube.
5. Is FFP or SFP better for 6.8 SPC?
FFP is better for long-range or tactical use, while SFP is great for fast hunting applications.
6. Does 6.8 SPC require special zeroing?
No, but zeroing at 100 yards gives a versatile setup for most loads.
7. How far can 6.8 SPC shoot accurately?
With the right optic, you can engage targets accurately out to 600–700 yards.
Conclusion
After rigorous field testing and comparison, my top choice for the best scope for 6.8 SPC is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44 FFP. It perfectly balances clarity, precision, and ruggedness. Whether you’re hunting whitetail in dense woods or dialing in at 700 yards, this scope maximizes what the 6.8 SPC can deliver—power, accuracy, and versatility.