The 6.5 Grendel rifle is a low-recoil, accurate, and impressive cartridge that is made in a manner that extends the AR-15’s range to over 1000 yards. It extends the range at a very high speed and works perfectly when used at long-range. The medium round cartridge boasts a lot of power which makes it ideal for most hunting applications.
Whether using your 6.5 Grendel for long-distance hunting or shooting competitions, it is important that you pair it with a quality scope in order to improve your shooting accuracy.
Now, getting a good scope for your 6.5 Grendel might be no problem but your budget can be limiting. This must be why you are in search of the best budget scope for 6.5 Grendel.
There are different brands with high-quality scopes for 6.5 Grendel. They vary in prices depending on the brand and specific features. In this review, we highlight the best scopes for 6.5 Grendel for your money.
Read: Best Low Power Variable Scope | LPVO Scopes
Best Budget Scope for 6.5 Grendel Reviews
1) Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is built to offer great performance with clear, bright images in all lighting conditions. It is made of a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for strong and shockproof performance.
The scope features a fast-focus eyepiece and fully multi-coated lenses that provide the best shooting experience. The scope’s Capped reset turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks that can be reset to zero after sighting in.
It comes with a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is good for hunting/shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. The long eye relief allows you to quickly get a sight picture of your target while still keeping you safe from recoil.
Key features
- It comes with an ultra-forgiving eye box
- It has a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- It features anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses for bright and clear views
- The max elevation adjustment is 60 MOA
- It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged for waterproof and fog-proof performance
Pros
- It has a long eye relief
- It has resettable MOA turrets
Cons
- Small magnification range
2) Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope
Bushnell, a leading brand in the optics industry is always a go-to if you need a good scope for your rifle. The Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Rifle Scope is one of the highly ranked scopes, featuring a 1-inch tube that is completely sealed and nitrogen sealed to provide a water and fog-proof performance.
The 4.5-18x40mm scope beats any other AR scope in the market with outstanding features that ensure perfection shot after shot. It is very reliable and applicable to different calibers, including 22 LR, .223/5.56, .308, 300 Blackout, and even 6.5 Creedmoor.
The scope features a throw-down power change lever (PCL) that you can set to two different heights. This makes the scope very customizable and easy to use for different applications. It also has a side focus parallax that goes down to 10 yards, allowing you to take both the close shots and the long ones.
Key features
- The scope is made of a single-piece aluminum tube that is strong and highly durable
- It has fully-multi coated optics that deliver crisp images in every lighting condition
- The scope has a waterproof construction that allows use in rugged and all-weather conditions
- It has a variable 4.5-18x magnification range for mid to long-range shooting
- It features short and long Throwdown levers for quick magnification changes even when wearing gloves
- It has a generous eye relief that keeps your eyes and eyebrows safe during recoil when using heavy, powerful rifles
- It has large, exposed MIL turrets that allow fast adjustment
- It features adjustable parallax
- It has an etched glass reticle
Pros
- The Ballistic Drop Compensated reticle provides easy hold overshooting to 600 yards
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- It has a non-illuminated reticle
3) Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms’ first focal plane MIL-DOT reticle serves as the main focus of the 4-14x44mm rifle scope. This conventional reticle, when properly paired with MIL/MIL turret adjustments, enables users to range and locate their holdovers without being compelled to employ caliber-specific BDC systems.
A whole MIL is measured from the center of one dot to the next, making each dot.25 MILs in size. The MIL-DOT is ideal for shooters who desire a tried-and-true reticle that enjoys widespread military acceptance.
Our first focal plane MIL-DOT reticle serves as the main focus of the 4-14x44mm rifle scope. This conventional reticle, when properly paired with MIL/MIL turret adjustments, enables users to range and locate their holdovers without being compelled to employ caliber-specific BDC systems.
A whole MIL is measured from the center of one dot to the next, making each dot.25 MILs in size. The MIL-DOT is ideal for shooters who desire a tried-and-true reticle that enjoys widespread military acceptance.
Key features
- It uses a traditional MIL-DOT reticle which can be used to accurately range and holdover
- It uses a first focal plane reticle that stays true at all magnifications
- It features a side-adjustable parallax and fast-focus eyepiece for a crisp view of the target and reticle
- It features tactile and audible 1/10 MIL windage and elevation adjustments
Pros
- It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant
- It is affordable
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescope offers quickness and adaptability which makes it very popular and likable. The scope allows you to quickly engage targets at close ranges or at long distances thanks to its real 1x low end that adjusts to a variety of settings.
The scope magnification ring has been upgraded to include a thread-in throw lever. This means that the magnification indicators can be seen without taking the scope off. It also comes with the new illuminated BDC3 reticle, which sharpens the shooter’s eye to the target more quickly.
The scope has a fast focus dial on the eyepiece which enables quick and simple reticle focusing. It also has holdovers that enable immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance.
This Vortex scope has anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to increase light transmission for better clarity and low-light performance, is another significant feature.
Key features
- It is made of high-quality materials for durability
- It is Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for water and fog-proof performance
- It has anti-reflective coatings on all glass surfaces for maximum light transmission
- It features an illuminated BDC3 reticle for easy target acquisition
- It has holdovers for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance
- It has a fast focus dial on the eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
Pros
- It is affordable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Low magnification power
5) Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope
The VX-3i 4.5-14×40 is a lightweight scope made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to guarantee maximum durability even under the harshest recoil. It is designed to offer you outstanding performance in low-light conditions.
The scope is waterproof, fog proof, and has a tough design that makes it shockproof.
The VX-3i has a DiamondCoat 2 – Ion-assist lens coating for high light transmission and a high level of abrasion resistance. This scope features the Leupold Twilight Max Light Management System which allows you to see tiny details even in crucial low-light situations at dawn or dusk.
Apart from having a duplex reticle and matte finish, this scope also features precision 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments for windage and elevation for absolute repeatability and dependability over a lifetime of extreme use
Key features
- It is made of a one-inch main tube
- It features a Rear Focal Plane (RFP)
- It features an ultra-lightweight design which makes it easy to carry
- It uses the Twilight Max Light Management System for increased shooting time
- It has a magnification range of 4.5x-14x
- Weight: 16.5 oz.
- Length: 12.2 in.
- Maintube Diameter: 1 inch
- Eye Relief (in) – Low: 4.4
- Eye Relief (in) – High: 3.6
- Linear FOV (ft. /100 yd.) – Low: 19.1
- Linear FOV (ft. /100 yd.) – High: 7.4
Pros
- 100% Waterproof, Shockproof, and fog proof
- Lightweight, rugged performance
Cons
- None
6) Monstrum G3 6-24×50 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum G3 is a high-performance tactical rifle scope that comes with 6-24x magnification for mid to long-distance shooting out to 1000 and more yards. It is made with an adjustable objective lens (AO) that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
The scope is ideally designed for functionality with a first focal plane MOA reticle, which contains easy-to-read ranging information that remains constant regardless of magnification. This ensures faster range estimation and holdover correction.
It has an inline dial-controlled reticle illumination with multiple brightness intensities that provides better reticle visibility in low-light environments
Key features
- It is made from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum with anti-fog nitrogen-charged and weather-resistant seals
- It comes with a set of high-profile Picatinny scope rings for easy mounting
- It has a detachable honeycomb filter sunshade and a set of spring-loaded flip-up lens covers for lens protection in harsh weather and storage
- It is supported by one CR2032 3V battery
- It offers a 6-24x magnification
- It uses an etched Crosshair FFP reticle with red illumination for better visibility
- It features 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments with zero setting
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- None
You might be interested in a similar: 10 Best Scopes for .223 Rifle
Choosing the Best Budget Scope for 6.5 Grendel
Durability
High-quality materials should not be an option when looking for a budget scope for 6.5 Grendel. Even with a low budget, you should make sure that you pick a scope that is rated to be shockproof. This ensures durability by withstanding impacts, recoil, and shock. It should also be able to withstand different weather conditions.
Reticle
A reticle is an important part of every scope. Depending on what you intend to use your rifle scope for, go for a reticle that matches your shooting range and skills. An illuminated reticle is needed if you intend to shoot in low-light conditions.
Magnification
When choosing the best budget scope for 6.5 Grendel, magnification is the most important thing to consider. You should go for a scope with a high magnification power that will match the prowess of this cartridge.
As the cartridge is ideal for both hunting and target shooting, it is good to get a variable-powered optic with a broad magnification. This allows you to take shots at different ranges.
Glass Quality
High-quality lenses are a plus on any scope. This ensures the image quality is good regardless of the shooting or lighting conditions.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the minimum distance between your eye and the scope objective lens. Although 6.5 Grendel has low recoil, a scope with long eye relief ensures comfortable viewing and rapid target acquisition. Your scope should provide more than 3.5 inches of eye relief.
Final Thoughts
The 6.5 Grendel is a powerful cartridge that is applicable in different shooting situations. To enjoy the best of its performance, a good scope should be attached to it. Your low budget should not be a hindrance as there are numerous scopes in the market that are affordable and yet high-quality.
The scopes in this review, for example, provide the best the industry has to offer in terms of performance and price.
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