How Far Can You Shoot With a 6X Scope? Detailed Answer

Recently, I visited to park with my kids: a person came to me and asked my suggestions and opinion about the usage of 6x scopes. As I love optics, I shared my views: and he was confused about the range of 6x scopes.

However, the question remains, how far can you shoot with a 6X scope? With 6x scopes, you’ll be able to shoot the buck which is 200 yards away from you. With these 6x scopes, the target will look bigger, and closer, and you’ll be able to shoot accurately.

I know that it’s not just him: many people who have just entered into the optics don’t know much about the capabilities and range of different scopes. So, I decided to write a dedicated guide to ensure that all of you get complete information. 

Related: Can You Put CDS on Any Leupold Scope?

What is a 6X Scope?

Look. 6X scope is a type of rifle scope that provides a magnification of six times the naked eye view. This means that an object that is 600 yards away will appear as if it were only 100 yards away when viewed through the scope. 

In my previous guide, I have already mentioned that the magnification of scope is denoted by a first number along with x. For example, a 6X scope has a magnification power of 6 times. So, these 6x scopes actually mean that they have a magnification power of 6x meaning that you’ll be able to see the target 6 times bigger than its actual size.

Also Read: How to Sight in a Crossbow Scope Without Shooting?

How Far Can You Shoot With a 6X Scope?

Effective engagement distance with a 6X scope is 200 yards. 

Let’s be honest. The answer is not straightforward as there are several factors come into play that can affect the accuracy of the shot and the distance it can cover. In the section below, I am going to give you complete details.

However, I would give you an estimate of how far you’ll be able to shoot with the 6x scopes. Actually, scopes with 6x magnification are very much capable of giving you clear, sharper, and zoomed visuals of the object or buck that is 200 yards away. So, anything which is 200 yards is considered shootable with these 6x magnification scopes.

Keep in mind that you can still see the buck which is like 600 yards away, but you won’t be able to shoo the buck accurately and precisely. Suppose your target is 600 yards away, then with these scopes, you’ll see as if the target is 100 yards away.

So, you’ll have to shoot by seeing the target at a distance of 100 yards from you. I believe that it gets very hard to shoot buck which is 100 yards away from you. You’ll miss the target. This is why I consider 6x scopes good to be used to shoot the target 200 yards away from you.

Factors Affecting Shooting Distance

I know that you want to know the shooting range of your scope. But it is not a very easy question to answer. The reason is that with a 6X scope, there are several factors that usually affect the distance you can effectively shoot. In the section below, I am going to explain those important factors that will determine your shot accuracy with 6x scopes.

1- Bullet Type

The type of bullet being used massively affect the distance that can be achieved with a 6X scope. Keep in mind that the heavier bullet will maintain its velocity and energy over longer distances, allowing for a longer effective range. If you use heavier bullets, your shooting with 6x scopes can get better. With heavier bullets, you will be able to hit the target that is above yards away with accuracy.  

2- Weather Conditions

One of the most important factors that I always look at while getting ready for shooting is the weather conditions. The wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, and air pressure do affect the trajectory of a bullet and make it more difficult to hit a target at longer distances. 

On the flip side, shooting in calm, mild weather conditions will generally result in greater accuracy and longer effective range. So, if you want to hit the target accurately with 6x scopes, then I highly recommend you to shoot or hunt in a calm environment.

3- Shooter’s Skill Level

Last, but not least, the shooter’s skill level is also a crucial factor in determining the maximum effective range with a 6X scope. A skilled shooter with proper training and experience will be able to accurately hit targets at longer distances than a newbie shooter. 

Proper technique, proper breathing, trigger control, and sight alignment, are all these things that matter when it comes to shooting with a 6x magnification scope. If you are a senior shooter, have some experience, and chances are high that your shooting range will be better while using 6x scopes.

4- Shaky Hands

While shooting, the accuracy of your shots massively depends on your body’s reaction. If you have shaky hands, chances are high that you will miss the target due to the shakiness of your hands. On the other hand, if you keep your hands stable, and get full control while shooting, then you’ll be able to shoot even more than 200 yards with the help of 6x scopes.

Also Read: How to Lap Scope Rings?

Are 6x Scopes Worth it for Hunting and Target Shooting?

My answer is a big YES! These scopes are excellent options as they allow you to see the target clearly. So, shooting the buck with accuracy gets better.

Overall, I am a big fan of 6x scopes, as they don’t make the visuals shaky, and give you an ideal view to shoot the target. There are many cases where a hunter wants to shoot the buck at any specific part of its body.

In such cases, the 6x scopes give you zoomed visuals, and you tend to see everything clearly. So, shooting at specific parts like the head, or neck becomes more practical, and you end up hitting at the right spot. So, yes these scopes are surely worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions