8 Best Scopes for 6.8 SPC in 2024

Are you in search of the best scope for your 6.8 SPC caliber rifle? There are so many options it would take months to narrow down the choices. Luckily for you, I have put together a list of the eight best 6.8 SPC caliber rifle scopes so you don't have to get lost in the sauce looking for it yourself.

If you are looking for a 6.8 SPC-specific scope, odds are that you are thinking of attaching it to your AR and taking it hunting. 

The 6.8 SPC has become increasingly popular for hunting applications over recent years. There are pistols, ARs, and SBRs (small barrel rifles) that are all made in the 6.8 SPC caliber.

The 6.8 SPC came to fruition through a joint effort between the United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) and Remington. Originally established in 1956 by president Dwight D. Eisenhower, the USAMU was designed to compete in shooting sports on an international level for the United States.

Some of the United States' most elite shooters train with USAMU, and through training and development came the 6.8 SPC. The original concept behind the 6.8 SPC was to find a caliber that would bridge the gap between the 5.56mm and the 7.62mm. 

The gap that needed bridging in the eyes of USAMU and Remington was finding a balance between perfect penetration, accuracy, and terminal performance.

The conversion of an existing 5.56 AR rifle to 6.8 SPC can require a complete upper assembly, bolt, and magazine change or be as simple as an upper and magazine change. 

Luckily this change takes less than a minute on AR rifles without the need for specialized tools or skills. This makes changing to 6.8 SPC rounds a breeze.

After reading through this article you may consider changing your current AR setup, if so, here are the 8 best scopes to choose from:

Considerations When Choosing A Scope For 6.8 SPC Caliber

1. Usage (what is your rifle/scope set up used for primarily?)

• Home Defense/ Self Defense
• The 6.8 is designed to perform best out of a shorter barrel, lending it nicely for a home defense/self-defense scenario.
• Hunting
• Great for hog, deer, mule deer, coyotes, and pronghorn
• Range/ Target shooting

2. Cost

• What does your budget look like?
• Be willing to pay for accuracy
• Does the quality justify the pricing?

3. Quality of Material

• What is it made of?
• How good is the warranty?
• Where was the scope made?

4. Reticle Design

• You want to look for a design that can be quickly acquired (home defense)
• Choose a reticle you are comfortable shooting
• Reticle designed for the efficiency of the round

5. Turrets and Adjustments

• How difficult is it to make quick adjustments?
• Are the turrets secure enough to not move when in the field hunting? (turret caps)
• How many clicks per-adjustment? (you don't want to be sitting there clicking while the animal walks behind a grove of trees)

1. Leupold VX-R Riflescope

The Leupold VX-R is up first on our list and is more than deserving to be here. Leupold began as a surveying equipment manufacturer that made all their surveying equipment by hand.

Legend has it that Marcus Leupold, son of founder Fred Leupold, was out hunting one day and missed a buck due to his scope fogging up.

Four years later Leupold introduced the Plainsman rifle scope and it became the first-ever truly fog-proof American-made scope. Since making the Plainsman in 1947 Leupold has done nothing but improve on their ability to create great rifle scopes for any type of shooting.

I would trust a scope built by a man pissed that he missed his shot due to a less-than-able scope. For hunting applications, this has to be one of the best stories and reasons to purchase a Leupold for hunting.

The Leupold VX-R is designed, machined, and assembled right here in the USA. Made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, and put through Leupold’s punisher test for strength and recoil testing. With a 30mm main tube, the Leupold VX-R offers an increased range of windage and elevation adjustments.

Set with an illuminated TMR reticle and tactical matte black finish this scope is ready to go on an excursion you are willing to travel.

With an illuminated reticle, this scope is built to handle low light conditions, which is great for early morning hunts. The VX-R is equipped with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which adds 15-30 minutes of low light hunting time.

The Leupold VX-R is 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Leupold’s lifetime guarantee will repair or replace your optic for free whether you are the original owner or not.

Complete with eight target settings, and motion sensor technology extending the battery life of your optic through measuring inactivity, this scope has it all.

The Leupold VX-R is quick to acquire, will outlast you in the backcountry, and has multiple settings for the range. This is a high-quality scope offered by a high-quality brand. The VX-R checks all of the boxes for a great 6.8 SPC rifle scope.

Want to know more about best leupold scopes? Check out our guide.

2. Vortex Optics Viper HS Riflescope

No “best of” list would be complete without an offering from Vortex Optics. The Vortex Optics Viper HS rifle scope offers hunters and shooters a multitude of features that prioritize functionality. With an advanced optical system and a 4x zoom range, this scope provides amazing magnification versatility.

The Viper HS is a single piece of machined aluminum, which creates a stronger scope than scopes made of multiple pieces. Increased eye relief allows for shooters to get on target quickly, and obtain their proper sight picture with accuracy. This plays perfectly for the 6.8 SPC in a home defense situation.

Vortex Viper HS is manufactured in the Philippines and is designed specifically for mid-range hunting or shooting. With Vortex also comes to the legendary VIP warranty that I rant about in every article I make. The VIP warranty through Vortex allows for full repair or replacement of any damage or defect. No questions asked, no receipt needed, transferable, and for a lifetime.

I speak highly of Vortex not only through my own experiences but of those I interact with daily. Having a foothold in the shooting sports community gives me insight into each of these brands from a multitude of perspectives. You're here for a scoping review though, not my inner thoughts.

The Viper HS has a magnification level of 4-16x, and an objective lens diameter of 50mm. With eye relief at 4 inches, the field of view is 27.4-7.4 feet at 100 yards. With a length of 13.6 inches and a weight of 20.4oz, this scope is 6.8 SPC AR bound. The parallax on this scope is 50 yards to infinity and it has increased windage and elevation travel for optimal adjustment.

The max elevation and windage adjustment on the Viper HS is the same at 50 MOA, and the travel per rotation is 12 MOA. The turrets on this scope are capped, which ensures you don't lose your zero while you're trekking through the woods. The Vortex Viper HS is a popular all-purpose hunting scope that is worth every penny.

Want to know more about best vortex scopes? Check out our guide.

3. Trijicon ACOG Scope

The Trijicon ACOG harkens back to 1987 when Glyn Bindon invented this work of art in his garage workshop after spending weeks studying the internals of a pair of binoculars.

Glyn decided that moving the prism in a rifle scope would allow for a more compact riflescope than what was on the market at the time. The ACOG was born.

ACOG, short for Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight, was quickly picked up by the US Army Advanced Combat Rifle Program. The ACOG became combat-tested quickly and was adopted by various US military special operations units. Utilizing a tritium/fiber optic illuminated reticle, the Trijicon ACOG adjusts brightness based on available light.

Built from forged 7075-T6 aircraft-aluminum-alloy, this scope is damn near indestructible. The ACOG was built to be used as a CQB (Close Quarter Battle) scope when shooting with both eyes open. The ranging reticle is calibrated for 5.56 out to 800 meters but can perform just as well with the 6.8 SPC round.

The red Chevron-ranging reticle allows for bullet drop compensation out to 800 meters, and at 5.9 inches in length, and 10.2 oz in weight, this truly is a compact scope.

No other magnified optic has been utilized more in combat than the ACOG. I can still recall the excitement we had as Infantrymen when we signed out an ACOG.

The ACOG is not just for tactical applications, however, and can be used by military and sportsmen alike. Any person with any AR platform would benefit from the accuracy and dependability of a Trijicon ACOG scope. Trijicon backs their ACOG with a limited lifetime warranty, with a tritium lamp warranty of 15 years.

Trijicon outfits customers such as the United States Marine Corps, United States Army, United States Special Operations Forces, United States Government, and state and local Law Enforcement. Impressive resume right? 

Trijicon is also becoming a popular scope among hunters for all types of game, as well as general shooting enthusiasts.

The ACOG has a magnification of 4x, an objective lens size of 32mm, and an eye relief of 1.5 inches. The field of view is 36.6 feet at 100 yards, and adjustments are as simple as 2 clicks per inch. The Trijicon ACOG is the author's choice for the best overall scope.

4. SWFA SS 3-15×42 Tactical Rifle Scope

The SWFA SS is a field-tested 3-15x42 scope. SWFA tested this scope in sub-zero temperatures and searing desert heat. The SS can handle -50 degrees to +130 degrees Fahrenheit. SWFA tested the SS at altitudes of 30,000 feet to depths of 15 feet in saltwater. This is truly a scope for the adventurer.

Not only have they toured tested their scope, but they also back up their product. SWFA’s warranty never expires, and is completely transferable, with no receipt required. If the scope is not repairable, they will replace it with no questions asked. Making this scope a one-time buy that holds its value.

The SS is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. Made of lightweight aluminum the SS has superior multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission. 

At 13.6 inches, and 24oz this scope is a beast of an optic. The SS has a side parallax adjustment of 6 meters to infinity. Eye relief on the SS sits at 4.2-3.8 inches and has a Mil-Quad reticle.

Each adjustment on the SWFA SS is 5 Mil's per revolution. The max total elevation and windage adjustment are 36 Mils. The SS was built from scratch in the USA, with the input of the United States Navy for extreme durability, resolution, and adjustment travel. This scope was built with snipers in mind.

5. Burris Veracity 3-15x50mm Riflescope

Burris has created a new size for hunting scopes with their Veracity 3-15x50mm. The 3-15x50mm size has been popular in tactical shooting for years. With the application of 6.8 SPC, this scope is built for maximum results mid-range. This is a great scope for the hunters in the crowd.

Burris Optics has become a well-known name in the hunting community for high-quality hunting scopes and the Veracity is a prime example of their work.

Magnification on the Veracity is 3-15x, and it utilizes a ballistic plex first focal plane (FFP) reticle. The Veracity was designed for serious big game and varmint hunting. The front focal plane reticle increases or decreases as magnification is increased or decreased.

With a 50mm objective, this scope allows for maximum light collection. Wind adjustments are located on hash marks in the reticle out to 500 yards. The reticle also features trajectory compensation out to 600 yards. This reticle does it all on this Burris Veracity.

A five-times zoom provides a large field of view at close ranges and quicker target acquisition at long range. 

The 3-15x uses a unique knob system that allows you to change your turret style based on the type of shooting you are doing that day. A scope that can completely adjust to any shooting style is always going to be worth the money.

Water-resistant, fog-proof, and shockproof the Burris Veracity comes with Burris’s forever warranty. A warranty that needs no receipts, no warranty card, and Burris will repair or replace any product no matter if you are the original owner or not. 

A strong brand that stands behind their products made in the Philippines. The body of the scope is made of aluminum making it lightweight at 25.1oz, the lens is made of glass and the scope is non-illuminated. The length of the scope is 14.1 inches and has an eye relief of 3.5-4.25 inches.

The adjustment click value sits at 0.25 MOA, and the parallax is 50 yards to infinity. A sunshade is included with the rifle which makes this package just that much sweeter.

6. Bushnell ENGAGE 6-18X50 Riflescope

The Bushnell Engage riflescope represents the latest evolution in Bushnell optics. Bushnell optics is a well-known brand within the shooting community. Most people I have encountered have positive opinions on the brand, and I feel that they did a great job with this Engage riflescope.

The Engage reticle is built to reach both short and mid-range targets through 1-MOA windage and elevation hash marks. This scope is built for long-range hunters with 18x magnification and a large 50mm objective. A fully coated anti-reflective lens is important to not be spotted. 

The reticle in this scope is compatible with multiple calibers which are perfect for making the 5.56 to 6.8 transition. 

Eye relief is 3.5 inches with a total length of 15.5 inches, this is the longest scope on today’s list. There is no illumination in this scope, which may be a make it or break it deal for some of you early morning hunters.

The Engage has a waterproof rating of IPX7. IPX7 waterproof rating means that the scope is submersible in one meter of water for up to thirty minutes. 

If you drop your rifle in the water while hunting your scope will survive. Dropping your rifle while hunting, however, has its own list of repercussions (better hope no one saw you.)

The Bushnell Engage is completely fog-proof, and shockproof as well. Manufactured in South Korea, the parallax adjustment on this scope is a side focus, 15 yards to infinity. Fully multi-coated, with EXO barrier technology from Bushnell that protects the lens more efficiently than previous lens protectants.

Weight of 18.3oz, elevation and windage adjustments max at 40 MOA. There is a 15 MOA travel per rotation, and the turrets have caps to protect your zero. Overall, this is a great hunting scope that can be used at the range as well and is compatible with 6.8 SPC caliber rifles.

7. Nikon P-Tactical Scope

Nikon Tactical Scopes were great scopes for many applications. Nikon has discontinued making riflescopes, which is truly disappointing. 

You can still find Nikon P-Tactical scopes online today, so I am going to review one as a sort of farewell to Nikon in the riflescope world. This Nikon P-Tactical scope is fully multicoated to provide superior brightness for hunting from sunrise to sunset. 

Great zoom control for quick magnification changes, which is perfect for range and hunting applications. With a 3x zoom ratio and a quick focus eyepiece, it is a shame Nikon has stopped producing sights.

The Nikon P-Tactical has a one-inch main body tube and elevated windage and elevation turrets. Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof with Nikon’s limited lifetime warranty. The P-Tactical has aircraft-grade aluminum main tubes and has hash marked reticles.

Magnification from 3-9x, objective diameter of 40mm, and weight of 16.9 oz. The P-Tactical has an overall length of 12.4 inches and fits perfectly on AR platforms whether they are 5.56 or 6.8.

Due to Nikon discontinuing the rifle optic game, I suggest any Nikon scope lovers check out the options from Leupold as they are similarly priced and were competitive with Nikon when they produced scopes.

8. Nightforce NX8™ 4-32x50 F2 Riflescope

Nightforce as a brand needs no introduction, but some of you may not know the Nightforce NX8. The NX8 was built to be rugged, reliable, and consistent. 

Developed from 20 years of research with the NXS line from Nightforce, the NX8 is built to be compact for mid-range shooting which is perfect for the 6.8 SPC.

Despite the compact size, the NX8 rifle scope features Nightforce's ZeroStop turret. The ZeroStop turret is great for multiple distance shooting. 

The technology allows you to turn the turret clockwise until it stops at your predesignated zero point. This technology means that you won't have to count your clicks while adjusting. Great for range days.

The NX8 has a magnification of 4-32x and utilizes a second focal plane (SFP). The body tube is 30mm and has an overall length is 13.5 inches. At 28.9 oz, this is the heaviest scope on our list today. The click value is 0.25 MOA and has a max elevation adjustment range of 90 MOA and max windage of 70 MOA.

The NX8 comes with a power throw lever (PTL) which is ideal for a 6.8 SPC rifle setup. The PTL is designed for fast and easy magnification changes from any shooting position. 

Quick adjustments are a part of the criteria covered at the beginning of the article. You want a scope that can adjust quickly and can react with you.

The optical system in the NX8 uses lenses that allow for great optical quality. Hunters and shooters who prefer a reticle in the second focal plane will enjoy the fact that the NX8 stays consistent in size throughout the magnification range.

Parting Shots:

Choosing the right 6.8 SPC caliber rifle scope for your personal application does not have to be a struggle. Once you know what functionality you need from your scope, distances you would like to achieve, and the type of ranges you have access to it makes the process easier.

After those considerations, think of the quality, price, and type of application you desire. Whether that be hunting, range shooting, home defense, or all of the above. 

Reading through this article will give you scope options that will match any need you have for your 6.8 SPC caliber rifle. You have all of the knowledge you need moving forward to make a 6.8 SPC scope selection on your own with confidence.

You now understand what a 6.8 SPC caliber rifle is, how to convert your 5.56 AR to 6.8, how all these scopes function, and what to look for in scope when making a purchase. I hope that you learned something new and that you feel comfortable making a scope selection after reading this article.

Which of these 6.8 SPC caliber rifle scopes did you like the best? Are any of the choices mentioned today something you would consider adding to your collection? 

References