In the world of modern shooting sports and tactical applications, Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs) have become the go-to sighting system for versatility and performance. These versatile scopes offer a wide field of view and both-eyes-open shooting at 1x magnification, similar to a red dot, while providing the precision of magnified optics for engaging targets at distance. Whether you are a competitive shooter, a hunter stalking through dense timber, or a professional operator, an LPVO is a critical piece of kit that bridges the gap between close-quarters speed and mid-range accuracy.
The market in 2025 is filled with impressive options, making the choice both exciting and challenging. From budget-friendly workhorses to high-end models with advanced reticles and illumination, there is an LPVO to fit every need and budget. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with a curated list of the top performers available today, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your next rifle build or upgrade.
Our Top Picks for LPVO Scopes
- Burris Hunting Compact Close Quarters RT-6 Tactical Kit
- TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series 3-9x42mm Riflescope with Mount
- Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 1-10×28 Rifle Scope
- Athlon Optics Ares Etr 1-10X24 Riflescope
- Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope with FFP Drop Zone-223
- Sightmark Citadel 1-10×24 CR1 Riflescope
- Crimson Trace Hardline 2-7x32mm Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Burris Hunting Compact Close Quarters RT-6 Tactical Kit
The Burris RT-6 Tactical Kit is an outstanding value, providing a complete optics solution in one package. It includes the highly regarded RT-6 Riflescope, a FastFire 3 red dot for ultimate close-range backup, and a P.E.P.R. mount. This setup is ideal for a “do-it-all” rifle, allowing for seamless transitions between magnified precision and red dot speed. The scope itself is known for its exceptional glass clarity and a true 1x setting that facilitates rapid target acquisition.
Built to withstand rigorous use, the RT-6 is waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. A key feature is its patented built-in throw lever, which is fully adjustable and can be positioned to your exact preference for lightning-fast magnification changes. The Ballistic 5X reticle provides useful holdover points without cluttering the view, making it effective for both tactical scenarios and hunting.
TRUGLO Tru-Brite 30 Series 3-9x42mm Riflescope
TRUGLO’s Tru-Brite 30 Series offers a fantastic blend of performance and affordability, making it a great choice for hunters and recreational shooters. With a 3-9x magnification range and a generous 42mm objective lens, it provides a bright image and a wide field of view. The package includes a durable, lightweight mount machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, getting you set up and ready to go right out of the box.
This scope features a dual-color illuminated reticle, offering both red and green options for better visibility against different backgrounds. The illumination is rheostat-controlled and can also be used in a non-illuminated, black duplex Mil-Dot configuration. For added convenience, it comes with two pre-calibrated BDC turrets for popular .223 and .308 calibers, simplifying longer-range shots.
Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 1-10×28 Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 1-10×28 is a serious optic that brings high magnification versatility to a competitive price point. Its 1-10x range is ideal for users who demand red-dot-like speed at the low end and significant magnification for precision at the high end. Advanced Fully Multi-Coated optics ensure maximum light transmission, resulting in a bright and clear sight picture even in low-light conditions.
Equipped with the ATMR4 SFP IR MOA reticle, this scope allows you to accurately assess and engage targets at extended ranges. The illuminated center dot provides a clear aiming point for fast shots. Like all quality optics in its class, it is built to be waterproof, protecting the internal components from the harshest weather conditions and ensuring reliable performance when you need it most.
Athlon Optics Ares Etr 1-10X24 Riflescope
Sitting at the higher end of Athlon’s lineup, the Ares ETR 1-10×24 is engineered for exceptional optical performance. It utilizes Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass, which significantly reduces chromatic aberration. This results in an image that is exceptionally sharp, bright, and true-to-color, giving you an edge in target identification and shot placement.
This scope features a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, meaning the reticle’s size changes as you adjust magnification. This allows you to use the reticle’s holdover and windage marks at any power setting, a critical feature for tactical and long-range shooting. The illuminated reticle provides greater visibility during the critical low-light periods of dawn and dusk.
Bushnell Optics 4x24mm Riflescope
The Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 is a compact and capable scope designed specifically for modern sporting rifles. Its feature set is tailored for fast deployment and reliable performance. The Throw Down PCL (Power Change Lever) allows for almost instantaneous magnification changes, while the exposed turrets let you make quick windage and elevation adjustments on the fly.
Available with a Second Focal Plane Drop Zone-223 BDC reticle, it provides holds out to 600 yards that are easy to understand and use. Fully multi-coated optics deliver a bright, high-contrast image, and an IPX7 waterproof rating means it can handle being submerged, making it a dependable choice in any environment. Its compact size also makes it ideal for use with offset iron sights or a red dot.
Sightmark Citadel 1-10×24 CR1 Riflescope
The Sightmark Citadel 1-10×24 offers an impressive magnification range in a robust package. Its CR1 reticle features ½ MOA click adjustments and includes a BDC calibrated for .223 55 grain ammunition, facilitating accurate long-range shots. This makes it a solid choice for shooters looking to maximize their rifle’s effective range without changing optics.
This scope is built with user-friendly features, including capped low-profile turrets that minimize the risk of accidental adjustments, which is particularly beneficial for hunters. As a second focal plane scope, the reticle size remains constant, ensuring that the subtensions and measurements are accurate at a specific power setting, typically the highest magnification, maintaining precision during use.
Crimson Trace Hardline 2-7x32mm Riflescope
The Crimson Trace Hardline 2-7x32mm is a lightweight and durable scope, weighing only 13.6 ounces, making it an excellent choice for hunters who count every ounce. Its construction from aerospace-grade 1″ tube aluminum ensures it can handle the recoil and rigors of field use. The scope comes with helpful accessories like scope caps and a lens cloth right in the box.
Featuring a second focal plane, non-illuminated BDC Blackout reticle, this scope provides a clean and uncluttered sight picture. The exposed turrets with a quick spring-loaded zero reset allow for fast and easy windage and elevation adjustments. With a generous 3.5″ eye relief, it is a safe and comfortable option for use on magnum calibers.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a popular choice in the LPVO market, known for its rugged reliability and clear optics. The 1-8x magnification range offers great versatility, allowing for close-quarters engagements and precise shots at intermediate distances. Vortex optics are fully multi-coated to provide bright, clear images across the entire magnification range.
It features a second focal plane reticle that is illuminated, with the AR-BDC3 reticle providing useful holdover points that are easy to see and use. Built to Vortex’s high standards, it is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. The included mount makes it a complete, ready-to-install system that is a favorite among 3-Gun competitors and tactical shooters alike.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms has built a strong reputation on its innovative and practical reticle designs, and the SLx 1-6x24mm is a prime example. It features the illuminated ACSS Raptor reticle, which is engineered for speed and simplicity. The reticle includes chevron-based ranging, wind holds, and moving target leads, all designed to help shooters make rapid and accurate shots.
This scope is built for durability, with a robust housing that stands up to heavy recoil and harsh conditions. The 1x setting offers a very wide field of view and a true red-dot-like shooting experience. As a second focal plane optic, the reticle’s useful features are optimized at 6x power, making it an intuitive and effective tool for a wide variety of shooting disciplines.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best LPVO Scope for You
Choosing the right LPVO scope can feel like a big decision, and with so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ve spent a lot of time behind these optics, and I can tell you that focusing on a few key features will make your choice much clearer. It’s not just about picking the one with the highest magnification; it’s about finding the right tool for your specific needs.
First, consider the magnification range. The classic 1-6x or 1-8x are incredibly popular for a reason. They offer a true 1x setting that lets you use the scope like a red dot for close-quarters shooting, while the top-end magnification gives you enough reach for most practical engagements out to a few hundred yards. If you’re primarily shooting at longer distances, you might look at a 1-10x scope, but remember that these often come with a higher price tag and can have a tighter eye box at the highest power.
Next, the reticle is your interface with the target. Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles stay the same size regardless of magnification, which is simple but means your holdover points are only accurate at one specific power, usually the highest. First Focal Plane (FPO) reticles scale in size as you zoom, so your mil-dot or BDC markings are correct at every magnification level. For a tactical or competition setting where you need rapid, accurate holds at any range, FFP is the way to go. For general-purpose use, a good SFP reticle is perfectly capable.
Glass quality and brightness are non-negotiable. You want lenses with good coatings that provide a clear, sharp, and color-neutral image. This becomes critical in low-light conditions. The illuminated reticle is a core feature of any modern LPVO scope. Check the brightness settings; you need a setting that is daylight bright to be visible against a bright sky, and also very low settings for use with night vision. Durability is another silent spec. Look for scopes that are nitrogen purged to be waterproof and fog-proof, and that can handle the recoil from your rifle. A robust construction is a must.
Finally, think about the mounting system. A good scope is useless in a bad mount. You need a solid, one-piece mount that will hold zero through hard use. Getting the right height for a comfortable cheek weld is also important. When you’re looking at the 9 best LPVO scopes (Low Power Variable Optics) in 2025, weigh these factors against your budget and primary use case. Whether it’s for home defense, competition, or hunting, the best LPVO for you is the one that balances these features to fit your specific rifle and shooting style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LPVO stand for and what is it best used for?
LPVO stands for Low Power Variable Optic. It’s a rifle scope that starts at a low magnification, typically 1x, and zooms to a higher power, like 6x, 8x, or even 10x. The 1x setting gives you a wide field of view and both-eyes-open shooting, much like a red dot sight, which is ideal for fast, close-range targets. The higher magnifications allow for more precise shots at medium distances. This versatility makes the LPVO an excellent choice for a “do-it-all” rifle, commonly used in tactical, competition, and hunting scenarios where engagement distances can vary quickly.
Is a First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane reticle better for an LPVO?
This depends entirely on how you plan to use the scope. A First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle is my preference for any situation where I need to make rapid, accurate holdovers at unknown distances. Because the reticle size changes with magnification, the subtensions (like mil-dots) are always correct. This is crucial for tactical shooting or PRS competitions. A Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle is simpler and often has a finer center dot at 1x, which some people prefer for speed. Its holdovers are only accurate at one magnification (usually max power), making it a great choice for general-purpose plinking or hunting where you might zero at a set distance and rarely use the holdovers.
How important is an illuminated reticle on an LPVO?
I consider it essential. The primary advantage of an LPVO over a traditional scope is its performance at 1x magnification for close-range, rapid shooting. An illuminated reticle, especially one that is “daylight bright,” turns the scope into a very effective red dot substitute. It allows you to place your shot quickly against a dark background, in dappled light, or when a black reticle would get lost on the target. Without illumination, you lose a significant part of the LPVO’s utility for dynamic shooting.
Can I use an LPVO scope on any rifle?
Technically, you can mount one on any rifle with a Picatinny or Weaver rail, but they are best suited for modern sporting rifles chambered in intermediate cartridges like 5.56mm / .223 Remington or .300 Blackout. The design philosophy of a quick, versatile optic matches the role of these rifles. You can certainly use one on a larger caliber rifle like a .308, but you must ensure the scope is rated to handle the recoil impulse. For the list of the 9 best LPVO scopes (Low Power Variable Optics) in 2025, I made sure to include options that are built to be tough and reliable on a variety of platforms.
What is the ideal magnification range for a general-purpose LPVO?
For a true general-purpose rifle, the 1-6x or 1-8x magnification range is the sweet spot for most shooters. The 1-6x scope is a proven workhorse, offering a fantastic balance of speed and precision. The 1-8x gives you a little more reach for target identification and engagement at longer distances without adding too much weight or compromising too much on the 1x performance. While 1-10x scopes are impressive, they often come with a steeper price and can have a more critical eye box, making the 1-8x a great compromise of performance, size, and cost.