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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.
Magnification: 3–18xObjective Lens: 50mmTube Diameter: 30mmReticle: ACSS Apollo HUD DMRWeight: 26.5 ozACSS reticle simplifies holdovers and wind calls.Rugged and waterproof build.Smooth magnification and clear glass.Slightly heavier than competitors.
Magnification Range: 1–8x for close/mid-range; 5–25x for long-range shooting.Focal Plane: FFP is ideal for variable-distance precision; SFP works better for fast engagements.Reticle Type: Choose BDC or ACSS-style reticles for ballistic compensation.Eye Relief: The 8.6 Blackout has moderate recoil—opt for 3.5" or greater eye relief.Durability: The scope should withstand recoil and maintain zero, especially under suppressed fire.Weight: For hunting builds, aim for under 25 oz; for precision setups, up to 35 oz is acceptable.
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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: 5 Best Scope for 8.6 Blackout of 2026
Here’s a quick summary of my top picks for the best scope for 8.6 blackout across various use cases:
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.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Mounted on my 8.6 Blackout bolt-action, this scope made quick adjustments easy during range tests. The ACSS reticle’s built-in ballistic hold points are incredibly intuitive for a cartridge like 8.6, where drop varies with bullet weight.
After 200 rounds and field testing from 50–400 yards, the zero retention was rock-solid.
Verdict:
This is the best all-around option for those seeking a high-performance optic at a budget-friendly price point.
How to Choose the Right Scope for 8.6 Blackout
When selecting an optic for your 8.6 Blackout rifle, consider the following factors:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for 8.6 Blackout?
A 1–8x LPVO is great for tactical builds, while 3–18x or 5–25x works best for precision shooting beyond 200 yards.
2. Is FFP or SFP better for 8.6 Blackout?
FFP is better for longer ranges and accurate holdovers; SFP is faster for CQB or hunting at set distances.
3. Can I use a night vision or thermal scope with 8.6 Blackout?
Absolutely. The round is perfect for suppressed night hunting—pair it with an ATN or Sightmark digital optic.
4. Does 8.6 Blackout have much recoil?
It’s mild to moderate, depending on barrel length and load. Heavier rifles absorb recoil well.
5. How far can I shoot accurately with 8.6 Blackout?
Subsonic rounds are effective up to 300 yards, while supersonic loads can reach 500+.
6. What’s the best reticle type?
ACSS or BDC reticles help estimate bullet drop effectively for the variable ballistics of 8.6 ammo.
7. Do I need a special mount?
A quality 30mm or 34mm mount with a slight cant (20 MOA) is recommended for longer-range precision setups.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for 8.6 blackout depends on your shooting purpose—whether it’s suppressed subsonic hunting or long-range precision. After extensive testing, the Arken EP5 stands as the top all-round performer, while the Vortex Razor HD LHT dominates in glass quality and the Trijicon Credo HX is unbeatable for compact builds.
Each of these scopes complements the unique ballistic profile of the 8.6 Blackout cartridge—offering rugged dependability, optical precision, and the performance demanded by serious shooters.
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