The 6.5 Grendel is an accurate, important, low-recoil, and deadly cartridge made especially to extend the range of an AR-15 beyond 1000 yards. Since it is mostly used for long distance hunting and precision shooting competitions, it needs a worthy scope to complement and complete its performance.
For that matter, we will assess and learn about the qualities and the type of scopes good for the 6.5 Grendel. We will also find out about the factors and considerations to keep in mind when looking for a rifle scope for the same magnification level.
To achieve the useful purpose of this guide, we have also outlined and reviewed the best scopes that are currently on the market for the 6.5 Grendel, for different uses, informing and protecting you from confusion of its magnification level.
Scopes | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane | Most Recommended Option 1. Optimal power | 10/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Primary Arms 4-16 X 44 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Mil-Dot Crosshair PA416X | Premium Option 1. Illuminated mil-dot reticle | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope | 1. Smart range finder 2. Night vision scope 3. Automatic ballistic calculator and ton of other features | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 50 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC) | 1. Pretty large objective lens 2. Quick focus eye piece 3. Zero-reset turret; spring-loaded adjustment | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Nikon Prostaff 7 5-20×50 SF Waterproof Black Riflescope with BDC Reticle | 1. Broader range of elevation 2. Quick-focus eyepiece and generous eye relief 3. Fully multicoated lenses for bright images | 8.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
6.5 Grendel Review – The Types of Scope For 6.5 Grendel
The 6.5mm Grendel is an intermediate cartridge manufactured as a low-recoil, high accuracy ammunition to extend the range of AR-15 rifles past 1000 yards at super speeds and magnification level and right scope and good scope for 6.5 Grendel.
The 6.5 Grendel was made for hunters to use on deer-sized animals out to 300-400 yards, beyond the super effective range of any .223 Remington hunting ammo. Which it does perfectly well, even for a larger target shooting game.
On top of that, the 6.5 Grendel scopes is excellent at long range shooting with a great objective lens, so it needs a fairly decent scope that is easy to use to see your target with a mix of power and quick adjustments.
There are a huge variety of sighting mechanisms out there on the market, which includes iron sights, red dot sights (reflector sights, laser sights, holographic sites), and telescopic sites. Here are some features you should look out for in the best 6.5 Grendel scopes objective lens:
Variable Magnification
Best 6.5 Grendel scopes with variable image clarity and longer range magnification are the best with your 6.5 Grendel scopes objective lens. Since it can hit the target at really long distances, a variable power best 6.5 Grendel scopes allow you to choose your range that you like.
Night Vision
Since the 6.5 Grendel scopes is an excellent round for hunting, it’s very likely that you’ll be taking out coyotes or wild boars with it. However, this feature will drive up the price of the best 6.5 Grendel scope, so choose an objective lens only if necessary but bear in mind this is still subjected to light conditions.
Reticles
Scopes for 6.5 Grendel with BDC or mil-dot reticles are designed to provide higher magnification are a good option. Since the round can shoot accurately up to beyond 800 yards, having a proper reticle to estimate the drag and drop will really help. Additionally, having a scope with illuminated reticles can also be a great choice, depending on your intended use.
The Criteria – How To Identify A Good Scope For 6.5 Grendel?
Intended use
The very first fact to take into consideration is your intended use of the scope for 6.5 Grendel. Choose whether you’ll be using your scope for close quarter hunting, bench-rest shooting, long range hunting, night hunting, or precision shooting competitions. See if it comes with light transmission and if it is waterproof and fog proof.
Since the use will ultimately decide the combination of light transmission features for the scope for long distance and a fast focus eyepiece, you want to know exactly which features are a great necessity and which you can do without, in order to keep your cost down. This point is not just specific to the 6.5 Grendel windage and elevation but to every calibre that are out there.
Focal Plane
In a First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes on the market, the reticle zooms in its size as you zoom over the target. Whereas in a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope, the reticle remains the same size regardless of the zoom/magnification. With the exception of hunters who are shooting, the SFP scope will be sufficient for your needs. You can find more information about FFP vs. SFP on the internet with a great range magnification range.
The basic difference between the two is that the turret values of its magnification range have to be adjusted for the SFP over long ranges when the magnification is altered. However, in FFP, these values don’t change with magnification. Furthermore, FFP scopes are more adjustable and expensive magnification settings and accuracy.
Reticle
If you plan to shoot for long range targets, with variable ranges, then consider choosing a range finding BDC/mil-dot reticle. If shooting at less than 500 yards, a duplex/German reticle will be accuracy less complex eye box, complicated, and appropriate long range scopes and short range scopes (check the adjustable magnification setting for best distance shooting experience).
Easy to Adjust
Make sure the turrets are convenient to adjust, and you don’t need an Allen key or screwdriver every time to alter the windage and elevation. The 6.5 Grendel magnification range can be used for variable long range shooting purposes, so you may have to make quick adjustments to the magnification settings.
Quality
Make sure the scope is properly sealed with nitrogen/argon gasses to avoid any moisture or haze on the scope. Make sure that the scope is of good quality, waterproof, can resist shocks, has proper eye relief, and adjustable retains zero.
Review of the Best Scope for 6.5 Grendel
Now that we’ve covered most of the basics, let’s take a look at the models that made our mini buying list.
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane
The Vortex Crossfire II is a variable magnification scope that comes with an objective lens of 40mm. The objective is wide enough to allow and designed for a maximum amount of light for taking clear shots, even at dusk targets.
The 3-9x magnification of the scope allows you to take adjustment shots as far as 700 yards out without much difficulty (if you have a regular and within normal range vision). It is a second focal plane scope and is brilliant for short to mid-range shooting. The tube has been designed from lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and perfect measures one-inch in its diameter.
Furthermore, the adjustment tube is nitrogen perched and the O-ring is sealed to avert any moisture/fog and to resist shocks. Additionally, the 3.8-inch eye relief makes it convenient to use. The scope features a dead-hold BDC perfect reticle so you can remain assured that it holds zero and works flawlessly over a long range. The scope has been priced and designed fittingly and in a perfect manner, so not to burn a hole in your perfect pocket.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II is an affordable and high-quality rifle scope with a maximum range and quick adjustments, becoming the adjustment range and precision of 6.5 Grendel. Moreover, the scope is not really fitting for adjustment scout style rifles.
2. Primary Arms 4-16 X 44 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Mil-Dot Crosshair PA416X
This scope from Primary Arms is a 4-16x magnification scope weight with a huge 44mm objective. The scope features an illuminated mil-dot reticle that is powered by batteries. That is to let you take clean shots in the dark, or in low light conditions. The size and weight of the objective supplements the illuminated glass reticle properties for sure.
The reticle has 12 settings for brightness, so you can avert the batteries from draining out fast. The magnifying power of the scope is sufficient enough to let you test the full range of 6.5 Grendel rounds glass.
Furthermore, the mil-dot crosshair along with easily adjustable turrets make shooting for you easy work diameter. The scope has been priced suitably to offer good value for money. It is an SFP scope, so you may have to make minor turret adjustments when altering targets at a glass long range brightness.
The Primary Arms scope has sufficient brightness magnification to use for long range shooting. It is even durable and is within most people’s budget and is shockproof too. The illuminated reticle and adjustments for windage, elevation, parallax, and eye relief are an advantage. The scope also offers good value for your work money.
3. ATN X-Sight II HD 5-20 Smart Day/Night Rifle Scope
The ATN X-Sight II is more like an affordable robotic virtual assistant that helps you with shooting. The scope is made with a 5-20x magnification glass, and should rightfully be called a computer, rather than a scope. It is so technological, which all you have to do is sight the target, and the scope will calculate and include the exact shooting point for you.
The scope has an integral rangefinder that is affordable along with a ballistic calculator, GPS, and barometer. You can use the smart rangefinder to automatically measure and calculate the point of impact. It senses all the natural factors to assist you with shooting durability types.
Furthermore, it also has a 1080 HD camera with a recoil-activate-video (RAV) and Wi-Fi streaming duplex. The scope also comes with an IR sensor and night vision mode to allow you to hunt in the dark but subjected to light conditions. The entire setup is powered by 4 AA batteries, and the manufacturer quickly also supplies a power pack for recharging or eliminating the batteries entirely for durability.
The ATN X-Sight HD is a totally digital rifle scope, which automatically calculates the range, wind, and ballistics to present you a point of impact. It is a good option for people who like to hunt at night and want to record videos. Furthermore, people who have a penchant for technological gear will also like it. The scope is useless without power and is not very good for teaching someone the basics of shooting.
4. Nikon ProStaff 3-9 x 50 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)
Nikon cannot be left behind when you’re discussing scopes, and so we have it included on our list. The Nikon ProStaff has a magnifying power of 3-9x and a huge objective of 50mm, which is the point of focus for this product. This large objective makes the scope clear as day. Furthermore, the BDC reticle allows you to take long-range shots with extreme precision and accuracy.
It is an FFP scope, which means it can be used for flexible long-range hunting. The scope is quite well-made and will resist water, fog, and recoil, although recoil is not much of an issue with the 6.5 Grendel.
The price may seem a bit high, but considering it is an FFP scope, and a high quality “Nikon”, it is worth the money. This scope is excellent for hunting and tactical use. The reticle with thick ends won’t let you lose sight of a target over a shabby background. It is high in quality, coupled with the lifetime warranty of Nikon, making it a tremendous purchase for you.
The Nikon ProStaff is a high-quality scope that is covered by Nikon’s lifetime warranty. It is an FFP scope and is extremely clear to allow you take long shots at over 650 yards.
5. Nikon Prostaff 7 5-20×50 SF Waterproof Black Riflescope with BDC Reticle
The Prostaff 7 from Nikon is a high powered optic scope that comes with a large 50mm objective lens. The scope can magnify and enlarge the target within a range of 5x to 20x, so you can take full advantage of 6.5 Grendel’s effective range.
The scope offers easy adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax, along with a really lavish eye relief. The turrets are spring-loaded and offer instant 0 reset. The lenses are multi-coated to provide a clear target picture, and the tube is properly sealed to resist water, moisture, and fog.
You can also use the Nikon’s spot-on mobile usage to sight your targets with precision. The scope has a BDC reticle to assist you with taking long-range shots accurately. It is also covered by Nikon’s lifetime warranty and its perfect reputation for quality.
The Nikon Prostaff 7 is a high-powered scope that comes with a BDC reticle to assist you in long-range shooting. If you wish to test out the maximum range of your 6.5 Grendel rounds, then this scope is for you. The only thing that may give you pause from buying this is the really high price. However, Nikon is still a brand worth trusting with your money.
Conclusion
The 6.5 Grendel is a low-recoil, long-range caliber that is made for hunting and precision shooting. You have to consider the magnifying power, reticle type, and night vision capabilities of a scope before using it with this type of ammunition. On top of that, factors such as the focal plane, adjustments, and quality will also play an important part in choosing the fitting scope for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best barrel length for a 6.5 Grendel?
The two 6.5 Grendel barrel lengths that are best suited for hunting purposes and application are the 24 inches and 2 inches barrels. Shorter barrels may be applied, however, beyond slightly lighter weight and more handy silhouette, they have no benefit and give up velocity. However, they are great choices for general shooting or a utility rifle.
Which Magnification Is Ideal For Your 6.5 Grendel Scope?
The 6.5 Grendel has an effective range of 200 yards but it can achieve 300 yards with bullet drop. The 6.5 Grendel is a tactical rifle, in particular AR 15 which is effective in short range and mid range shooting. Regardless, the 6.5 Grendel also can hit longer distance, approximately 600 yards but you’d similarly need a bullet drop and windage.
For short and mid range shooting, a variable magnification scope is ideal. A rifle scope that has a range of 3-9x or 2- 12x magnification is the most desired as they are best for plinking. As for hunting applications like deer hunting, a fixed magnification scope is more ideal which are raised from the rail so you can also optimize your iron sights. Hence, a hunting scope should be ideally 3x to 9x fixed magnification.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.