Are you in the hunt for the best AR 15 LPVO? If yes, you have stumbled upon the right place. This is an in-depth review of the best low-power variable optics ideal for use with the AR-15.
LVPOs are the latest addition of rifle scopes in the optics world. These do-everything rifle scopes have become the go-to sighting tool for many hunters and tactical shooters. Not only are they versatile, but they are good for a wide variety of rifles, including the AR-15.
On the right hand, an LPVO can revolutionize how you use your AR-15 for the better. You can handle targets at close quarters with the speed of red dot sight and easily ramp up the magnification to pursue targets at longer distances. In this roundup, we will first look at the design features of a great LPVO and then go through our top 8 LPVOs for AR-15.
Attributes of a Great LPVO
If you buy your first LPVO scope, you probably wonder what attributes make one great. A great LPVO for AR-15 is made of several attributes, which include:
Premium Glass
This is the first feature that separates a great scope from a cheap one. With high-quality glass elements and high-performing lens coatings, the scope yields brilliant image clarity in virtually all lighting conditions.
Solid Construction
A great LPVO for AR-15 should be made with the most durable materials to enhance longevity and stand up to wear and tear.
Crisp Reticle
The next thing that a great LPVO scope should have is a reticle system that is crisp, easy to use, and illuminated to ensure optimal visibility in less ideal lighting conditions.
Sufficient Eye Relief
Last but not least, the best LPVO for AR-15 should boast ample eye relief, which is important in keeping your eye safe from the recoil this rifle scatters.
Best AR 15 LPVO
Getting an LPVO scope as versatile as the AR-15 is wise if you want to push this rifle to its full potential. Here are the best LPVOs capable of achieving this and much more. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Length: 10.5 in
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Mount Type: Ring
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm is by far the best LPVO for AR-15 available on the market. It is premium built with various phenomenal features to meet and exceed your hunting field or shooting range needs.
The optical performance of this scope is outstanding. It is built with extra-low dispersion glass that offers enhanced resolution and true color for targets in all lighting conditions. On top of that, it has fully multi-coated lenses, which enable greater light-gathering capacity.
When it comes to construction, the scope is well-built with aircraft-grade aluminum. This quality construction can weather any punishment you throw at it. Moreover, the scope has dependable waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof protection for all weather use.
In addition to everything else, the scope is built with a second focal plane reticle that is illuminated and protected glass for optimum durability and reliability.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm main tube diameter
- Matte anodized finish
- Glass-etched reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1-6x total magnification
Pros
- Good eye relief
- Easy to mount and make adjustments
- Solid and sturdy housing
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
2) Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 17.3 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 – 4 in
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 12 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Mount Type: Ring
Carrying the well-known and highly-respected Steiner name, the P4Xi 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is unbeatable in terms of value and performance. It harbors a ton of functions into a small size that is lightweight and very easy to maneuver around with.
This tactical LPVO scope is compact but tough as a nail. It is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, an ultra-durable yet lightweight material. In addition, the entire scope is shockproof to handle repetitive recoil and rough use.
The Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24mm is well-built and ideal for use in all kinds of environments. It is waterproof, fog proof, and built to be safe to use in an operating temperature range of -13 to 145℉.
And that’s not all. This LPVO scope is very user-friendly. It has an illuminated reticle that illuminates your point of aim in low-light settings. It also features consistent eye relief and a generous eye box through 1-4x magnification for speedy and effortless rapid target acquisition.
Feature
- Rear focal plane reticle
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- Premium lens coatings
- Low profile turrets
- 1-piece 30mm main tube
- 1-4x magnification power
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Sufficient eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Excellent glass quality
Cons
- Fixed parallax
3) Atibal XP8 Mirage 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 17.4 oz
- Height: 1.9 in
- Mount Type: Ring
- Reticle: TDR BDC
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3 mm
Built with the latest technology and features, the Atibal XP8 Mirage 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is a practical and versatile addition to any AR-15. It has ample zoom power for close to long-range use and a user-friendly design that makes it beginner friendly.
Thanks to the fully multi-coated optics, this rifle scope provides a clear and bright field of view in all lighting conditions. On top of that, it employs a TDR BDC reticle put on the second focal plane and illuminated to be visible in poor light settings.
To complement the good low-light visibility, the scope has a long 4” eye relief that aids in comfortable glassing with or without eyewear. In terms of construction, it has a 30mm body tube made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum.
Furthermore, the scope is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof for use in any environment. It is also equipped with low-profile turrets for windage and elevation adjustment.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Laser-etched SFP reticle
- Rapid view lever
- 11 adjustable brightness settings
- Low profile turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Bright and clear glass
- Great reticle illumination
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Light transmission is not 100% ( its 85 %)
4) EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Length: 10.63 in
- Parallax: Fixed Focus
- Weight: 20.1 oz
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 1 mm
- Eye Relief: 80 – 100 mm
Fourth on our list of the best LPVOs for AR-15 is EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Rifle Scope. Optimized for versatility, this precision rifle scope is a must-have for avid hunters and 3-gun competition enthusiasts.
The selling point of this rifle scope is accuracy. It is outfitted with an EOTech Speed Ring reticle, allowing for quick and accurate target acquisition at any range. The reticle is simple and illuminated, providing a clear shot in low-light conditions.
Another remarkable facet of this LPVO is optical finesse. It boasts XC high-density glass that works with broadband anti-reflection coatings to enhance light transmission.
When it comes to construction, this optic is built on a 30mm tube for increased strength and reliability. Over and above that, the entire body is waterproofed and anodized to outlast elements and corrosion that causes rust.
Features
- 1-6x total magnification
- First focal plane reticle
- Type III anodized finish
- Waterproof and submersible to 1m
- Fixed focus parallax
- 1mm exit pupil
- 30mm body tube
- Broadband anti-reflection coatings
Pros
- Superb low-light visibility
- Solid and durable construction
- Manageable weight
- Accurate
Cons
- None
5) Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Length: 9.8 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Mount Type: Cantilever Mount
Firefield RapidStrike 1-6×24 Rifle Scope is another good quality LPVO that is purpose-built for AR platforms. It has a versatile 6x optical system well-suited for tactical applications, 3-gun competitions, and hog and varmint hunting.
The scope has a throw lever that allows quick magnification adjustment during use. It also comes with a cantilever mount for an appropriate AR-15 cheek weld. This makes it ready to mount out of the box.
Another highlight of the scope is solid construction. It is built with high-strength aluminum,, which guarantees unmatched durability and longevity. In addition, the scope is dustproof, fog proof, and IPX7 waterproof for use under any weather conditions. It can also operate in temperatures ranging from -13 to 131℉.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- High-strength aluminum housing
- Matte finish
- 30mm main tube
- 60 MOA windage and elevation travel at 100 yards
- 6x optical system
- Resettable turrets
Pros
- Long eye relief through all magnifications
- Lightweight design
- Good price
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Battery life could be better (only 100 hours)
6) Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 19 oz
- Length: 10.7 in
- Parallax: 50 yds
- Mount Type: Ring
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 8.5 mm
Next up, we have the Swampfox Tomahawk 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope. This optic is hands down the best value LPVO for AR-15 on the market today. It provides value, durability, and accuracy unparalleled by any other LPVO at similar price points.
Featuring a versatile 1-8x magnification power, the scope is an ideal choice for close to medium-range hunting and 2&3-gun competition. The throw lever included aids in rapid magnification adjustment, and with the long eye relief of 4.75”, the scope guarantees comfortable shooting from any position.
This rifle scope is built and ready for use in any environment. It has a ruggedized 30mm body tube that is fog proof and IPX-7 rated against moisture and dust.
Optically, this LPVO brings fully multi-coated optics to ensure high levels of light transmission. The stunning optical performance is then complemented by an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness levels for you to pick from.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fast focus diopter
- Tactical turrets with zero reset
- 100 MOA maximum elevation and windage adjustment
- 50 yards to infinity focus range
- Second focal plane reticle
- Non-reflective matte finish
Pros
- Lightweight
- Ultra-long eye relief
- Positive turret clicks
- Wide field of view
- Great reticle design
Cons
- None
7) SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-10x28mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 20.4 oz
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Mount Type: Cantilever Mount
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.8 – 9 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.22 – 3.54 in
SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-10x28mm LPVO strikes the ultimate balance between performance and value. This makes it the ideal sighting tool for quick target acquisition in any shooting scenario.
This LPVO brings to the table high-performance glass for industry-leading light transmission. This guaranteed bright and crisp clear target views in any lighting environment. It also boasts 11 adjustable brightness for the reticle for you to tailor it based on the ambient lighting conditions.
This scope’s optical quality is remarkable, as well as its build quality. It has an anodized aluminum body that is sturdy enough to withstand abuse. The 34mm main tube also has dependable waterproof and fog proof protection to outlast all elements.
The other essential features this optic has are a built-in throw lever for quick and easy magnification changes and a large field of view that aids with quick target finding.
Features
- 34mm body tube
- Integrated throw lever
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- High-performance optical glass
- Anodized aluminum body
- Spectracoat optical coating
- 11 adjustable brightness levels
Pros
- Crisp turrets
- Ruggedized construction
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Eye relief gets shorter with an increase in magnification
8) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 19.2 oz
- Length: 11 in
- Parallax: Fixed
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 12 – 4.1 mm
- Mount Type: Ring
Lastly in our list of the best LPVOss for AR-15 is Trijicon AccuPoint TR-25 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. Trijicon is known for its high-quality optics made with top-tier glass, and this 1-6x LPVO is no exception.
This LPVO scope is built on a 30mm tube to provide room for windage and elevation adjustments. Thanks to the robust 6061-T6 aluminum housing, it can withstand any punishment you throw at it. Additionally, it is 100% waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof to be usable in any weather condition.
Optically, the scope employs fully multi-coated lenses to prevent glare and ensure high levels of light transmission. As a result, you are guaranteed superior image clarity with no distortion. This 1-6x LPVO is also equipped with fiber optics and tritium illumination to provide lightning-fast target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy in dismal environments.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Fiber optics/tritium illumination
- Easy focus eyepiece
- 1-6x total magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Repositionable magnification lever
Pros
- Superior image brightness and clarity
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Battery-free illumination
- Outstanding durability
Cons
- Fixed parallax
See Also
How to Choose the Best AR 15 LPVO
The following are the most important factors when shopping for an LPVO for your AR-15.
Durability
When you are in the field hunting or shooting, you predispose the scope to impacts, scratches, and accidental falls. It is, therefore, important to pick a unit built with longevity in mind. Go for a scope with a sturdy and durable body made from aluminum or magnesium alloy. Such scopes are lightweight but durable enough to withstand most wear and tear.
Glass Clarity
The glass clarity of an LPVO can either make or break your shooting expedition. For the best LPVO for AR-15, we recommend settling for a unit that uses high-performance glass, preferably extra-low dispersion. A good scope should also have solid anti-reflective lens coatings to maximize light transmission.
Weight
Weight is the other important thing to take into consideration. While the heavy-weight LPVOs often feature high-quality glass and robust construction, they add extra bulk to the firearm affecting its precision.
You should opt for a lightweight scope for both hunting and competition shooting. Such scopes are easy to maneuver around and hardly come in your way of shooting during use.
Reticle Style
The next feature to consider is the reticle. For regular hunting, a simple duplex reticle will suffice. It will provide a precise point of aim without obstructing the target. On the other hand, you will be better off with a more advanced reticle system for long-range target shooting.
See Also
- 5 Best Red Dots for Glock 17 (Gen 5 Mos)
- 5 Best AR-15 Red Dots with Night Vision
- 6 Best Red Dots for Sig P365XL
Final Thoughts
Finding the best LPVO for AR-15 doesn’t have to be a taxing and unpleasant task. When you are activity specific, you will easily find the best scopes for your needs. Hopefully, you have found the information in this article to be insightful and of significant help.
See Also