Low Power Variable Optics are relative newcomers to the traditional optics market. Many shooters wonder why a whole new niche of scopes has suddenly appeared in the marketplace. Part of the reason LPVO scopes have become so popular lies with the rise in popularity of the AR-15 rifle platform. As more and more shooters adopt the AR-15 platform and associated calibers, they have realized that their scope expectations change. The challenge becomes finding the best LPVO for their shooting needs.
Several criteria define a Low Powered Variable optic. First, it has a relatively low power magnification range. Typically, the scope has magnification ranges from 1X to 6X. Most LPVO scopes have illuminated reticles with variable illumination settings, are shorter than traditional scopes, and some mind of throw lever on the magnification ring.
Most major rifle scope manufacturers have added LPVO scopes to their product lines. Unfortunately, a host of LPVO scopes are coming from offshore sources that are junk and not worth the time or trouble to mount on your rifle. I will look at what I consider to be the best LPVO scopes available today in several categories.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down:
- My choices of the best LPVO scopes on the market today.
- How your intended use might affect which features you need (for example, night hunting, 3-match shooting, home defense, etc.).
- Which specs are worth the extra money, and which ones aren’t.
SKIP AHEAD
What Sets a Scope Apart as a Low Power Variable Optic?
In one sense, an LPVO scope is just a variant of a traditional variable magnification scope. Variable magnification scopes give hunters and precision target shooters the ability to find, range and hit targets at extreme distances. Taking shots confidently well beyond 1,000 yards is not uncommon. These kinds of distances require precision optics with a high magnification range.
More and more shooters, hunters, and competitors alike find that the rifle and caliber they shoot don’t need these high magnification ranges. Most of the shooting performed by the AR-15 platforms are within the 300 to 400-yard range at most. The average deer hunter in the United States rarely takes a shot over 250-yards. A different sort of scope is needed to fit the criteria that define an LPVO scope. In most cases, an LPVO scope features the following items:
- At least 1-4X magnification range. Rarely do LPVO scopes go above a 6X magnification.
- Typical LPVO scopes feature a 20mm front aperture.
- Illuminated reticles with multiple illumination settings are usual
- Adjustment for windage and elevation without removing caps or covers and graduated in 1/2 MOA clicks
- Since most LPVO scopes mount on an AR-15 platform, the reticles usually have bullet drop compensator markings on the reticle for 5.56 or .308 calibers.
- Overall, both the length of the scope and the weight of the scope are minimal.
- The magnification rings typically have a throw-lever for easier handling and manipulation
These styles of scopes could just as easily be described as a variable combat optical gunsight. However, that name doesn’t work well in the civilian market, so low power variable optics became the standard terminology.
My Choices for a Low Power Variable Optic
Choosing a scope of any kind for your rifle is a personal thing. Every shooter has expectations for what they want out of scope. The scopes I pick may not match exactly what you think a scope should deliver. However, if you are new to the market, seeing what someone else looks for in any scope is advantageous. These are the LPVO scopes that I believe to be the best on the market in each category.
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#1 LPVO Scope
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1. Best Overall LPVO Scope – Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Vortex Optics has been my go-to scope manufacturer for several years. There are several reasons for Vortex Optics getting my nod as the Best Overall LPVO scope. In my opinion, Vortex Optics provides the quality and features at the best price I have found. No scope can do everything. The Vortex Strike Eagle covers all the bases nicely without giving up too much in the compromise for the shooter who does a little of everything.
Feature-wise, you won’t be disappointed at the features and options that Vortex Optics provides with the Strike Eagle scope. Add uncompromising attention to quality and unparalleled customer service to the features, and Vortex Optics is a clear and easy choice.
Features
- Available in black or flat dark earth colors
- True 1X settings provide fast target acquisition on close-range targets
- High-quality, fully multi-coated lenses deliver crisp images even at 6X magnification with very minimal side distortion
- Fast-focus eyepiece ensures rapid target acquisition
- A magnification ring complete with a screw-in throw lever and magnification indicators is visible without changing shooting positions.
- Excellent reticle illumination with eleven brightness settings to match any light conditions
- Low dispersion glass provides the best in light transmission and image clarity
- A second focal plane reticle maintains its size and appearance, no matter what magnification ranges you choose.
- An etched glass reticle is protected between two layers of glass for durability.
- Each Vortex Strike Eagle scope has a BDC reticle pre-set for the 5.56 cartridge.
Specifications
- Magnification – 1-6X
- Objective Lens – 24mm
- Eye Relief – 3.5 inches
- Tube Size – 30 mm
- Adjustment Per Click – 0.5 MOA
- Maximum Elevation Adjustment – 140 MOA
- Maximum Windage Adjustment – 140 MOA
- Parallax fixed at 100 yards
- Length – 10.5 inches
- Weight – 18.5 ounces
For most AR-15 shooters, the Vortex Strike Eagle Gen 2 scope is a perfect low-power variable optic scope. Most shooters find the Vortex Strike Eagle to be versatile enough to cover the range of their shooting needs. With this scope mounted on your rifle, you can easily move from the range to hunting or even competitive 3-gun shooting.
The Pros and Cons of the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Gen 2 Scope
Pros
- High-quality glass gives great light transmission without distortion at higher magnification ranges.
- Easy-to-use magnification ring allows quick adjustments even with gloves.
- The price is right for most shooters.
- Vortex Optics VIP lifetime warranty may be the best in the business.
Cons
- The eye relief can be critical, making the eye box finicky to see.
My Thoughts
I don’t believe you can get a better LVPO scope for the money. You can buy more expensive scopes with better glass, but I don’t think the average shooter will benefit from spending more money to get the incremental increases in quality, light transmission, and clarity.
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#1 LPVO Scope
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2. Best 3-Gun Match LPVO Scope – Bushnell Drop Zone 1-4X24mm
If you routinely compete in 3-gun shooting competitions, your needs for an optic for your AR-15 or comparable rifle are a bit different than other shooters. The premise of the 3-gun shooting sports is to combine pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting in situations that are close to combat situations. An LPVO used for these types of competition requires tailoring to some specific attributes of the matches.
Bushnell’s entry into the LPVO market fills these specific attributes quite well. Surprisingly, Bushnell does this in a package that comes in under two hundred dollars. Working through the features list, one would almost think that Bushnell designed this optic, especially for three-gun shooters.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Illuminated reticle with six intensity settings for any light situation
- Bushnell Drop Compensated ballistic reticle calibrated for .223/5.56 ammunition allows consistent hits out to 600 yards
- Fully multi-coated lenses deliver exception clarity and light transmission
- An adjustable magnification throw lever that allows you to customize the lever to your specific needs
- Fast and precise target acquisition for rapid aiming and shooting
- Rated to IPX7 standards to ensure a scope that will perform in all weather conditions without a problem
- Even when wearing gloves, large combat-style turrets allow quick and precise windage and elevation adjustments
- Generous turret and magnification markings allow precise setting without moving off the scope
- Exceptional quality glass provides razor-sharp image clarity
Specifications
- Black Anodized aluminum construction
- Eye relief – 3.5 inches
- Overall length – 9.4 inches
- Weight – 18 ounces
- Parallax fixed at 100 yards
- Drop Zone 223 reticle
- Tube diameter – 30 mm
- Second focal plane reticle
- Maximum elevation adjustment – 120 MIL
- Maximum windage elevation – 120 MIL
- Exposed non-locking MIL based turrets
- Water-resistant, fog proof, and shockproof
The Bushnell 1-4X24 AR Optics LPVO rifle scope gives anyone wanting to shoot three gun competitions the opportunity without investing more in their scope than they do in their gun. However, this Bushnell scope is versatile enough to excel in the field for hunting or on the range for bench shooting.
The Pros and Cons of the Bushnell Drops Zone LPVO Scope
Pros
- Quick and precise magnification settings with the large and easy to use throw lever
- Easy to adjust turrets for windage and elevation
- Crystal clear image quality through the multi-coated glass
- One of the most affordable optics
Cons
- Some shooters may have trouble when shooting with both eyes open at a higher magnification
My Thoughts
I must admit that it has been a long time since I shot in a three-gun match. However, were I to get back into the game, the Bushnell Drop Zone LPVO scope would be high on my list of optics as I was setting up my guns.
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3. Best LPVO scope for Hunting – Steiner P4XI 1-4X24 Rifle Scope
There is a perception that German optics are inherently superior to scopes made elsewhere. To some extent, this may be true based on the history of German engineering and glass production. I remember my uncle telling me that if you want the best in optical glass, buy German.
Steiner optics certainly upholds this tradition. The reputation for quality and performance has merit. This traditional reputation is especially true of the Steiner P4XI LPVO rifle scope. From the engineering to the final production, Steiner easily boasts that it is among the top tier of optics. Just reading through the basic features of the P4XI rifle scope is proof of this claim.
Features
- One-piece aluminum tube construction for strength and durability
- 4X zoom capability allows shooting ranges out to 400 yards
- Consistent eye relief and a large eye box make both eyes open, shooting easier
- Low profile turrets reduce the possibility of snags or hang-ups while moving and shooting
- Illuminated reticle with five daytime intensity settings and four low light settings.
- Night vision compatibility with 2 NV levels
- On/off setting on the intensity setting dial disconnects the battery completely
- Constructed to be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Available with a choice of reticles based on your personal preference
Specifications
- Magnification – 1-4X
- Reticle Options – P3TR is designed for tactical situations where close-quarters combat is expected, or the G1 reticle is designed for sport shooting at ranges up to 500 yards
- Objective lens – 24 mm
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30 mm tube
For field use where extreme conditions are common, the Steiner P4XI LPVO scope excels. Nothing can ruin a hunt faster than a missed shot due to a failed optic. With a Steiner on your rifle, that worry fades into the background. The P4XI is a scope that lets you take your rifle out to the limits of its range with confidence.
The Pros and Cons of the Steiner P4XI LPVA Scope
Pros
- It uses some of the finest optical glass available in the world.
- The G1 reticle is simple and easy to use. The diamond and dot design makes picking up a target quick and accurate.
- The 1X magnification is true. You can use this rifle scope as a red dot if needed.
- A generous eye box offers a wide field of view even at a 4X magnification setting.
Cons
- Pricey
- The controls and turrets could be a bit crisper
My Thoughts
The Steiner is certainly not the most inexpensive scope on my list. However, for hunting, this scope’s reliability and optical clarity are hands down superior. When conditions get nasty, this scope delivers what counts the most: clear images and superior optical quality.
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4. Best Budget Low Power Variable Optic – UTG 3-9X32 1″ BugBuster Scope
I always try to identify one product that is easy on the budget but delivers performance that belies the price. Leapers UTG rifle scopes often fill that role. Leapers is a sleeper in budget-priced optics that deliver on reliability and performance.
The ITG 3-9×32 Bugbuster scope is not, in the strictest sense of the term, an LPVO rifle scope. You can’t dial the scope down to a true 1X magnification. A lack of true 1X magnification can prevent you from using this scope in some 3-gun competitions. However, if you want to hunt, shoot a few competitions, and drill holes in paper targets on the range, the ITG Bugbuster scope is a good choice. It offers a host of benefits for a very reasonable price.
Features
- One inch aluminum tube with emerald coating for maximum light transmission
- Premium zero lockable and resettable turrets
- 1/4 MOA per click adjustments
- Range estimating Mil-Dot reticle
- Adjustable objective lens from 3 yards to infinity
- Dual illumination reticle color with red or green options.
- Variable illumination intensity allows the best reticle illumination depending on light conditions
- It comes with a 2-inch sunshade and flip-open lens caps
- The scope kit includes quick detach rings, tools, manuals, and a cleaning cloth
Specifications
- 3 – 9X magnification
- One inch tube diameter
- 32 mm objective lens
- Eye Relief – 4.2 inches to 3.2 inches
- Adjustment per click – 0.25 inch
- Length overall – 8.11 inches
- Total Weight – 14 ounces
- Parallax setting from three yards to infinity
- Battery – One CR1620
The Pros and Cons of the Leapers UTG BugBuster 3-9X32 Rifle Scope
Pros
- Provides great eye relief.
- Everything seems to work very well. The magnification ring moves smoothly and the turret clicks are clear and precise.
- The package is very complete and even includes quick-detach rings.
- This little scope packs a lot of punch in a very inexpensive package.
Cons
- The light transmission on this scope is lacking, especially near twilight.
- The locking mechanism on the quick detach rings seems a little flimsy. Take care when you lock it down tightly.
My Thoughts
The UTG BugBuster scope is not a low-power variable optics. It doesn’t allow a true 1x magnification setting, which can be a problem if you are a serious competitor in three-gun matches. However, this is a great option for casual shooters who want a scope that can be used easily for home defense in close-range situations. If you need to take this scope to the field for hunting, it is a versatile scope that can take you to the fringes of the range of your rifle. These are great features in a scope that included the scope rings for under one hundred dollars.
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5. The Ultimate Low Power Variable Optic – Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
Trijicon has forged an almost unshakable reputation for its optical systems. Anyone who has spent time in the military is familiar with the Trijicon ACOG fixed power rifle scope. Now Trijicon has a variable power close-quarter combat rifle scope that fits the LPVO criteria.
The Trijicon VCOG 1-5×24 riflescope is the penultimate expression of low-power variable optics. When you combine the reputation of Trijicon with an impressive list of features, you get the most advanced combat optical gunsight available in the civilian market.
Alt Image: Trijicon VCOG line of variable scopes offer the shooter the best glass clarity on the market
Features
- Available with either a Horseshoe Dot reticle or a Segmented Circle Reticle
- Illuminated reticle in either red or green
- Bullet drop compensator is available for a wide range of popular calibers
- The reticle can be calibrated in either Mil-Dot or MOA units
- Chose between a quick detach mount or a Flattop Thumbscr4w mount
- First focal plane reticle
- LED light source which uses an AA battery for power
- Tested to MIL-STD 810G and approved by the DOD for combat use
- Up to 700 useable hours with one lithium AA battery
- On quarter MOA per click adjustments for precise and accurate shots
Specifications
- Overall Length 10.06 inches
- Weight – 23.2 ounces
- Magnification 1-6X
- Battery – one AA battery
- Eye relief – 4 inches
- Objective lens -24 mm
- A first focal plane illuminated reticle
- LED illumination
- Elevation adjustment maximum – 90 MOA
- Windage adjustment maximum – 90 MOA
The Pros and Cons of the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
Pros
- The optical glass is excellent. Clarity is above par, as are the light-gathering capabilities.
- Trijicon is a trusted partner with the military. The testing and rigorous specifications to gain the military’s trust should speak for itself
- Ruggedly constructed from above-average aluminum alloys.
- Uses standard AA batteries for power. No more specialized batteries or button batteries to contend with.
Cons
- Very Expensive.
- The reticle may take some getting used to.
My Thoughts
I occasionally recommend that someone dig deep and find the cash to spend on a VCOG scope. I don’t think the average shooter gains anything by spending this kind of money that they can’t get at a better price with another variable power scope. On the other hand, my son is a law enforcement officer who provides his patrol rifle for duty use. I made sure that his rifle is equipped with a VCOG. When your life may depend on your equipment, you get the best you can get.
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Final Words
Low power variable optics are just like anything else. Typically, the higher the quality and performance, the more you have to pay. However, you can get to a point where you reach diminishing returns. Most shooters don’t have the skill or the need for the most expensive LPVO scope on the market. Making good decisions about price and features will provide most shooters with all the needed scope.
