Nothing gets you off the range quicker than milky glass that leaves you with a headache, certainly not an issue for the Presidio 1-6x24 CR1. Sightmark’s tactical Low-Powered Variable Optic stands out with its impressive crystal-clear clarity. One of my primary applications for this optic is hunting, which requires extended time glassing for your intended game, often in less-than-ideal conditions combined with low-lighting. Have you ever found yourself squinting as you look through a scope and feeling like your eyes are strained?  That’s a tell-tale sign of bad glass and a poor-quality scope overall, but you won’t have that problem with the Presidio.

Besides the fine glass, the Presidio boasts a more than fair price point. You shouldn’t have to sell a kidney to afford quality optics, and the Presidio 1-6x is testament to this. For less than a month’s worth of groceries, you get an optic with a bright and crisp sight picture and multicoated glass that’s great for shooting even in low-light conditions. The 1-6x magnification range of the Presidio provides a versatile platform that meets the needs of a variety of shooting scenarios, whether it be CQB training, hunting, or simply banging steel at distance on the range. The quick-adjust magnification ring allows for seamless transitions, allowing the user to adjust quickly without too much fuss.

Personally speaking, I’m a fan of the CR1 reticle, as it is designed for both rapid target acquisition and precise shot placement. Even for someone like me who doesn’t do anything fast, the circle-dot reticle offers a clear and distinct sight picture and a precise aiming point in any lighting environment. Purpose-made for tactical or sports shooting, this scope and reticle combo seems right at home making quick transitions on a steel plate rack. The hunter in me sees that it would be one heck of an optic for a predator gun setup.  The illumination settings are adjustable, allowing you to adjust accordingly based on your particular lighting conditions. For those in our tactical community, this same feature is invaluable for transitioning from bright outdoor environments to dimly lit interiors. 

Built with the uniquely demanding needs of shooters in mind, the team at Sightmark designed this optic with a stout and rugged construction enabling it to withstand less than gentle treatment and still maintain not only zero but also repeatability and overall top-tier performance. Since I treat my guns like tools and not safe queens, that’s another plus in my books. The housing is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, helping keep weight to a minimum while remaining shockproof, yet another feature appealing to those hunting afield or those who find themselves already carrying additional weight in their packs. To prevent fogging, the Presidio 1-6x has a nitrogen purged tube and o-rings that seal off any threat of moisture, this design eliminates climate-related concerns associated with lower-quality scopes.

The turrets of the Sightmark Presidio 1-6x24 CR1 contribute to its overall precision and user-friendly design, especially if you happen to be wearing gloves. When adjusted, the turrets produce audible and tactile clicks, allowing you to make quick and easy adjustments without taking your eyes off the target. Another noteworthy feature of the turrets is the fact that they are zero-resettable, enabling shooters to quickly return to their original zero after making a countless number of adjustments. This is especially crucial for shooters who find themselves easily distracted. I can’t tell you how many times my ADHD brain has been counting clicks when something catches my attention and I’m left with a “Crap… where was I?” look on my face.

The Sightmark Presidio 1-6x24 CR1 is a versatile optic that meets the needs of a wide array of applications, whether you’re a casual plinker, competitive shooter, or hunting enthusiast. This feature-rich scope meets these varied needs so well that it can easily serve more than one purpose while remaining mounted to the same rifle should you so choose. Versatility and reliability are amongst some of the most important features when it comes to glass, and when combined with top-notch clarity and durability it's hard to turn down an opportunity to slap one on a rifle and hit the range. If you happen to find yourself in the market for a new optic or two to add to your collection, I’d highly suggest taking a look at the Sightmark Presidio 1-6x24 CR1.  Quality glass is an important part of the equation when it comes to developing your skills as a marksman, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have the best.  For more info on this optic and others within the Presidio lineup, visit sightmark.com/collections/presidio.