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Magnification: 5–25xObjective Lens: 56mmTube Diameter: 34mmReticle: VPR MIL or MOA (FFP)Click Value: 0.1 MILWeight: 38.9 ozEye Relief: 3.4 inExceptional glass for the price.True-to-spec turret tracking.Wide magnification range for both mid and long-range use.On the heavier side.Parallax knob slightly stiff out of box.
Magnification: 4.5–22xObjective Lens: 50mmTube Diameter: 30mmReticle: HSR-5i MRAD (FFP)Weight: 21.7 ozZero Stop: YesUltra-clear HD glass with zero distortion.Lightweight and durable for field use.Excellent low-light performance.Expensive compared to mid-range competitors.
Magnification: 3.6–18xObjective Lens: 44mmTube: 35mmReticle: TMR or PR2 MIL (FFP)Weight: 26 ozWarranty: LifetimeMilitary-grade durability.Lightweight for its class.Unmatched clarity and color accuracy.Price point is high for beginners.
Magnification: 1–6xTube: 30mmReticle: BDC Segmented Circle (Illuminated)Weight: 19.2 ozLightning-fast target acquisition at 1x.True daylight-bright illumination.Bombproof Trijicon reliability.Limited long-range precision.
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Best Scope for 8.6 Blackout – Expert Reviews and Real-World Testing
When it comes to pairing your rifle with the best scope for 8.6 blackout, the choice can make or break your shooting experience. The 8.6 Blackout cartridge is designed for powerful, subsonic performance in short-barrel rifles—offering devastating energy transfer with heavy bullets and exceptional suppressed performance. I’ve spent months testing optics that can truly handle this caliber’s unique ballistics, from short-range tactical use to mid-range hunting applications. Here’s my expert breakdown of the best options available today.
Top Product List
Here’s a quick summary of my top picks for the best scope for 8.6 blackout across various use cases:
Detailed Reviews
1. Arken Optics EP5 5-25x56 FFP
The Arken EP5 is a powerhouse scope that offers exceptional clarity, precise turret tracking, and durability that rivals optics twice its price.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
When I mounted the EP5 on my custom 8.6 Blackout AR-10 with a 16” barrel, I used 30mm rings and a 20 MOA rail. Zeroing at 100 yards took just 5 rounds, and the zero held perfectly after 300 rounds of subsonic 300-grain loads.
Glass clarity was superb—no noticeable chromatic aberration or color fringing even at 25x. Edge-to-edge sharpness remained crisp, allowing me to spot sub-MOA groups at 200 yards.
Online, shooters on Reddit’s r/longrange community echo my findings: “Arken’s EP5 tracks like a tank and holds zero better than most mid-tier scopes.”
Verdict:
For shooters looking to push their 8.6 Blackout past 300 yards, this scope delivers unmatched value.
2. Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP
The Razor HD LHT is Vortex’s hybrid between a hunting and tactical scope, with premium HD glass and rugged durability.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
I mounted this on a Q Fix rifle chambered in 8.6 Blackout using Vortex Precision rings. Shooting suppressed, the Razor LHT’s clarity helped me clearly identify targets at dusk, with its illuminated reticle providing sharp aiming even under minimal ambient light.
Eye relief was generous, allowing comfortable shooting positions even with recoil from supersonic loads.
Durability is another hallmark—after 500 rounds, zero was still perfect. The elevation turret’s tactile clicks and rock-solid zero stop made adjustments effortless.
Verdict:
If you want the absolute best glass and reliability for your 8.6 Blackout hunting rifle, this scope is a lifetime investment.
3. Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44 FFP
Leupold’s Mark 5HD series is legendary for precision and weight efficiency. The 3.6-18x44 version strikes an ideal balance between compact size and long-range versatility.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
I tested it on a 12.5” Faxon 8.6 Blackout SBR. The scope’s tracking and glass clarity impressed me immediately—especially its edge-to-edge resolution. It held zero after 400 suppressed rounds.
In dim light conditions, the Twilight Max HD system truly shines, extending shooting hours. The tactile turrets offered sharp, audible clicks with perfect 0.1 MIL tracking.
Verdict:
For professionals and hunters seeking the ultimate tactical optic for 8.6 Blackout rifles, this Leupold Mark 5HD is worth every penny.
4. Trijicon Credo HX 1-6x24 Illuminated
If you’re running a short-barrel, suppressed 8.6 Blackout build, the Trijicon Credo HX 1-6x is one of the best LPVOs out there.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
I paired this optic with a 12” Q Fix upper and fired 8.6 subsonic rounds out to 150 yards. At 1x, it behaves like a red dot, perfect for close-quarters work. At 6x, it’s ideal for medium-range hunting or defensive use.
Online shooters often mention its optical performance surpasses many LPVOs in its price range.
Verdict:
Perfect for compact, tactical 8.6 Blackout rifles where speed, reliability, and clarity matter most.
5. Primary Arms SLX 3-18x50mm FFP Gen II
The SLX 3-18x50 FFP is an outstanding value optic offering professional-grade features at a mid-range price.
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