When it comes to versatile shooting, few optics compare to an LPVO. With the ability to offer a wide magnification range, an LPVO scope allows you to swiftly transition between these magnification levels, depending on your shooting scenario (close quarter vs. medium range). In this guide, we analyze the results of rigorous testing of many LPVO scopes to help you identify the best LPVO scope that matches your specific needs.
5 Best LPVO Scopes
We already did a detailed review of the best LPVO scopes under $1000, of which the Strike Eagle is the best. However, when we remove the budget limit, we get a new set of the best LPVO scopes, of which the EOTech Vudu reigns supreme. Here is a list of the 5 best LPVO scopes.
- EOTech Vudu 1-10×28 – Best Overall LPVO
- Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 – Best Tactical Scope
- Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6×24 – Best For Hunting
- Bushnell Trophy QA 1-6×24 – Best Value
- Trijicon Credo HX 1-8×28 – Best Premium Scope
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HuntersHalt: #1 Pick
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1) EOTech Vudu 1-10×28
The Vudu is an incredible LPVO scope featuring all kinds of bells and whistles to elevate your shooting experience. Starting with the design, the Vudu consists of aircraft-grade aluminum with a rugged design that prevents damage from heavy recoil and rough handling. The o-ring seals and nitrogen purging also prevent internal fogging and improve its waterproof capabilities.
The Vudu gives you a crisp view with very minimal side distortion. It has a beefy 28mm objective lens diameter. When combined with the quality lens material and cutting-edge Guard-Ion lens coatings, it maximizes light transmission.
This low power variable optic, with a 1-10 magnification range and a first focal plane illuminated reticle, is perfect for mid-range shooting in various lighting conditions. The rifle scope is also fitted with a removable throw lever, allowing you to toggle between magnification for fast target acquisition quickly.
Finally, for that long shots, the scope also has bullet drop compensation, enabling precision shooting at longer distances.
My Experience With EOTech VUDU
I thoroughly enjoy my Vudu, and it has accompanied me on many hog hunts – it is not only an extremely versatile scope capable of handling different weather conditions, but its robust bullet drop compensation enables me to perform accurate long-range shots. Overall, the Vudu is the best LPVO scope money can buy.
2) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24
No top 5 scope list is complete without including a Vortex scope. The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle was crowned as our best budget LPVO scope, but that doesn’t mean it can’t compete with the more expensive low power variable optics.
The Strike Eagle has a 24 mm objective lens with a 1-8x magnification range – perfect for a closer type of engagement. However, the scope is fitted with an EBR-8 bullet drop compensator illuminated reticle on the first focal plane, allowing you to shoot accurately at longer distances.
Additionally, the Strike Eagle also features a durable design. It is built from aircraft-grade aluminum and has Vortex’s ArmorTex lens coatings to protect the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
My Experience With Vortex Strike Eagle
I love my Strike Eagle; the 3.9-inch eye relief is especially high-valued. Like the Vudu, the Strike Eagle also has a throw level, allowing you to adjust quickly between magnifications. I mostly use it on my AR-15, and on the range, I can easily shoot at targets 500 yards out. Other than range shooting, I use it for hog hunting and other varminting activities.
3) Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6×24
Leupold is notorious for producing quality optics, and the Patrol is no different. The scope has excellent light transmission capabilities and can withstand a pounding from both recoil and the elements.
Unlike the first two scopes mentioned on this list, the Patrol has a second focal plane reticle, which makes it better for short to mid-range engagement and quick target shooting. The Patrol has an objective lens of 24 mm, an eye relief of 3.8 inches, and a magnification range of 1-6x.
The characteristic I like the most about the Patrol is its weight. Weighing only 16.2 ounces, your maneuverability is not compromised at all. Plus, it’s not a pain to carry on that long hiking hunts.
My Experience With Leupold Patrol
Overall, my experience with the Patrol is positive. The scope is immensely durable, featuring some of Leupold’s innovative waterproof and fog proof technology. This allows me to take the scope on challenging hunting expeditions stress-free. If you want a scope that will perform for life, then you should strongly consider the Patrol 6HD.
4) Bushnell Trophy QA 1-6×24
Released at the end of 2021 – early 2022, the Trophy Quick Acquisition is an impressive low powered variable optic from the builders at Bushnell. The scope is also our most budget-friendly LPVO on this list.
As the name suggests, the Quick Acquisition has several features that allow you to spot targets almost as fast as red dot sights at close distances. It is fitted with a second focal plane illuminated reticle and a 1-6x magnification range. The scope also has accurate holdovers, although I rarely use them.
The Trophy has good optical clarity, but the Leopold’s is better for the same size scope. This LPVO is also fairly durable, but I wouldn’t push it to the extreme, such as repeated heavy recoil and dust- and rainstorm exposure.
My Experience With Bushnell Trophy
Despite being on the market for less than two years, I’ve used the Trophy on many occasions, including hunting, range shooting, and even plinking. Overall, the Trophy is a great entry-level scope because of its affordability and user-friendliness.
5) Trijicon Credo HX 1-8×28
Whenever I think of Trijicon, I immediately think about the RMR and SRO red dot sights. However, Trijicon produces a high-quality LPVO scope as well – the Credo HX. This scope is built from durable materials and features multi-coated lenses with particularly good anti-reflective qualities. It is extremely tough and can withstand almost any environmental conditions.
I especially like the dual red and green reticle with daylight bright illumination characteristics – allowing it to perform well in both low and bright light conditions. The scope comes with a 28mm objective lens and a 1-8x magnification range. It also has very good eye relief – between 3 – 4 inches.
My Experience With Trijicon Credo
To be honest, the Trijicon Credo impressed me more than I thought it would. I am used to Trijicon’s high-quality red dot sights, but this LPVO scope is just as good. It has quick magnification changes, adept at different lighting conditions, and is very durable. The only problem I have with it is its weight – at 25.6 ounces, it can become quite heavy over a long period of carrying it.
LPVO Scope Buying Guide
Following the right procedures when buying any scope is crucial, not only LPVO scopes. Not only does it ensure you buy the right scope for the job, but you might even save money. Therefore, we compiled a buying guide to help you make the right decision when buying your next LPVO scope.
What Is An LPVO Scope?
A low power variable optic (LPVO) scope is a type of rifle optic that offers a variable magnification range – typically starting at 1x and going up to 6x and 8x. This makes the scope highly versatile, capable of performing both at close distance (at 1x, essentially functioning like a red dot sight) and medium to long-range distances (higher magnification levels).
What makes LPVO scopes different from a common rifle optic is that it usually has a faster-transitioning speed between different magnification levels by using a throw lever. Additionally, these scopes have a more tube-like design than traditional rifle scopes due to an LPVO’s priority of being lightweight.
Pros & Cons Of Using An LPVO
Pros
Here is a list of the main benefits of using an LPVO scope.
- Versatility – LPVO scopes can be used at a wide range of distances and in different scenarios due to their variable magnification.
- Enhanced Precision – At higher magnification, LPVO scopes provide better precision than red dot sights. It also increases target identification abilities, which is crucial in hunting and tactical scenarios.
- One Optic Solution – Instead of needing to switch between different optics for different shooting scenarios, you can use an LPVO scope.
- Reticle Variety – LPVO scopes usually have more reticle options than red dot sights and even rifle scopes, boasting illuminated reticles and even bullet drop compensators.
Cons
Here is a list of the main downsides of using an LPVO scope.
- Weight and Size – LPVO scopes add much more weight to a firearm than red dot sights and holographic sights because LPVOs are larger and heavier.
- Complexity – LPVOs definitely require more practice than a standard red dot sight, especially when toggling between different magnification levels on the fly.
- Cost – LPVO scopes are still very new in the optic world. Therefore, these scopes are still very expensive compared to other sight options.
Most Important Rating Factors In An LPVO
We take much pride when rating scopes and always strive to ensure the scopes reflect the HuntersHalt standard if they are to be included in our “top scope” articles. Here are some of the rating factors we use when reviewing LPVO scopes:
Magnification range
The magnification range of the scope directly affects the versatility of the scope – the larger the range, the wider the variety of shooting scenarios. The ideal magnification range for LPVO scopes is 1-6x and 1-8x.
Eye Relief
Target acquisition speed is crucial in heated, close-quarter engagements. Therefore, an LPVO’s eye relief is very important. We want our scope’s eye relief of at least 2.8 inches, ideally between 3.5 – 4 inches. This ensures faster target acquisition as well as greater comfort and safety, particularly for high-recoil firearms.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors that influence the sentiment toward a scope. Nobody wants to feel that their scope can break at any moment, or they can’t take it on a hunt in tropical conditions because it might get water damage. Therefore, we make sure the scope can withstand diverse weather conditions as well as repeated recoil from firearms.
Mounts
The type of mount affects the scope’s user-friendliness in two ways. The first is that if a scope uses unpopular mounts, it can be difficult for the person to acquire, or it can be excessively expensive. The second is that if the scope mounts are not capable of securely attaching to the firearm, it can cause damage to the scope if the rifle is fired and recoil is experienced.
Additionally, I like seeing mounts that are easy to install and remove, and they should also be compatible with common rail systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best magnification range for an AR-15 LPVO?
How much do LPVO scopes cost
Do LPVO scopes use batteries?
What is the optimal eye relief for an LPVO scope?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right LPVO scope is a game-changer for your shooting and hunting experience – offering unmatched versatility to the red dot and traditional rifle scopes. Remember, the best LPVO scope for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the majority of the type of shooting you plan to do. However, you can’t go wrong when choosing any one of these LPVO scopes, especially our number one pick, the EOTech Vudu. Also, remember to follow our buying guide when you embark on your next scope buying expedition.
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HuntersHalt: #1 Pick
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