I bought a Howa Mini Action 20" heavy barrel.

Here in MO average shot is less than 100 yards and the longest shot I've had to take is ~ 170 yards.

Need an optic and I'm open to ideas.

I have a Leupold 3-9 x 40 on my 30-06 and is probably overkill here.

I have a pair of Strike Eagle scopes sitting on the shelf:  1-8 x 24 and a 1-6 x 24.

Is one of them adequate for my purpose?

Thanks

I've been wanting to buy a 6.5 grendel or 300blk mini action for a while and intend on putting a 3-9×40 Leupold VXR on whichever I finally decide to get.

Thanks but how far out do you plan to tag?

Is a 3-9 x40 necessary at 175 yards... likely my longest shot?

The 1-8x24 Strike Eagle would be perfect if you want to use what you already have. I was going to recommend a 1-8 or a 2-10 for the distances that you stated. I personally like a larger bell on an optic and a minimal 30mm tube when hunting in timber or shaded areas.

3x9 is probably the most standard hunting scope size there is.  It gives you enough zoom to better identify a target and 3x low enough a critter isnt going to fill the entire FOV unless it's really close.  I am not a fan of LPVO on hunting scopes because the eye box is generally smaller and less forgiving and they let a lot less light through.  A lot of shots are in that time frame where it's getting light or dark.

I agree with the above poster.  2-10 with a larger objective lens would make a great hunting scope.

I personally use a Burris XTR ii 2-10x42. I love the scope since it has a 42mm objective lens and a 34mm tube.

https://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/xtr-ii-riflescopes-series/xtr-ii-riflescope-2-10x42mm

The only drawback I have with it, it has exposed turrets and the weight.