Barska gets in the low-cost 1-6x game with the SWAT-AR scope

The new 1-6×32 IR SWAT-AR scope by Barksa is listed at $300. (Photo: Barksa)

Until very recently, the idea of a true 1-6x variable power riflescope was relatively unheard of, with just a few manufacturers making them and at prices few shooters could afford. But in the past year or so the technology has trickled into the world of low-cost scopes and now Barksa is happy to say it has put together a 1-6×32 scope at a price everyone can get behind.

The Barksa SWAT-AR 1-6×32 IR is a complete package designed for the practical-tactical crowd but with an appeal that will charm anyone who hunts or target shoots with an AR-pattern rifle. Priced at around $300, it’s one of the most approachable 1-6x scopes on the market.

Barksa doesn’t skimp on the features, either. It is an illuminated riflescope with a mil-dot first focal plane reticle that’s visible in all lighting situations. The scope can be switched from green illumination to red illumination to suit the user’s needs and preferences and is toggled on and off with a push button.

The scope can be switched from green- to red-illuminated reticles. (Photo: Barksa)

The reticle can be adjusted with the external, locking turrets for windage and elevation and the scope has an angled sunshade to keep the glare down. The click-adjustable turrets turn in one-quarter MOA increments.

Of course the glass is all fully-multicoated for optimum light transmission and clarity. It is also o-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to make it completely waterproof and fogproof.

Barksa manages to provide real 1-6x magnification by building the scope around a larger 35mm tube to use larger and more forgiving elements — the key to keeping the costs down.

The scope is powered with one CR2032 battery, which is included, along with flip-up scope caps and a custom cantilever mount to accommodate the larger-than-standard scope tube. All of this comes with the scope, making the $300 price range that much more impressive.

For anyone thinking this is too good to be true there is a drawback to the SWAT-AR 1-6×32 IR — the larger 35mm tube not only means that mounting options are limited, the beefier scope also tips the scales at 29.6 ounces, just shy of two full pounds.

Still, taking that into consideration, the weight includes the cantilever mount and caps, meaning that this scope isn’t much heavier than a lot of other illuminated riflescopes and is lighter than some when you add the rings. In any case for the price that’s hardly anything to complain about.

Otherwise the scope is in the middle of the pack, measuring in at 11.5 inches long and with a decent eye relief of 3.9 to 5.1 inches. It has a 32mm objective lens and like all Barksa products, is protected by a limited lifetime warranty.

If you’re putting together an all-purpose close-to-mid range AR on a budget and want a variable-power riflescope capable of 1x magnification then the new SWAT-AR 1-6×32 IR should be on your short list. For more information visit the Barksa product page.