Do you want to buy the best LPVO under 500?This guide takes you to the best on the market.
If you want to add flexibility to your rifle set-up, you should consider a low-power variable optic (LPVO). These entry-level optics are simple and a good hunting companion, 2 and 3-gun competitions, and target plinking. We have compiled a comprehensive guide on the best LPVO under 500 to help you find the best model for your needs.
The market of LPVO is diverse, and so is its price tag. Different brands have created their own LPVO scopes to meet the rising demand for shooters. This means you have to go through various models to find the right unit for your needs.
When shopping for the best LPVO, it is important to consider your budget and the shooting you will be doing. If you are on a tight budget, there are many high-quality yet inexpensive LPVOs out there that work as well as the top-tier ones and won’t break the bank.
Best LPVO Under 500-Our Top Picks
With many trusted names in the industry, we have done the hard work for you and come up with a list of the best LPVO scopes under 500 available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Length: 10 in
- Weight: 17.6 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 24 mm
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope is optimized for versatility. Getting it for your shooting expeditions will help you adapt to any situation, taking down targets close to mid ranges with ease and incredible precision.
This scope is compact but tough as a nail. It is built from aircraft-grade aluminum to guarantee unmatched strength and durability. Additionally, it is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to stay ready for whatever nature throws at it.
Another impressive facet of this scope is phenomenal optical performance. It is designed with extra-low dispersion glass, enhancing resolution for color clarity. The scope also features fully multi-coated lenses that increase target appearance at all distances.
Regarding convenience, this LPVO scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that allows quick and easy reticle focusing. Over and above that, it has generous eye relief and a lightweight construction of 17.6oz only.
Features
- XD lens elements
- Glass etched reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sufficient eye relief
- Easy to mount and make adjustments
- Versatile
Cons
- None
2) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Length: 10.5 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Reticle: AR-BDC3
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Mount Type: Ring
Sitting comfortably in second is the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. This LPVO scope is built with avid hunters in mind and with an array of impressive facets that make it the best LPVO under 500 for close to mid-range hunting.
Vortex built this optic with a 30mm tube for increased strength and reliability and to provide ample room for windage and elevation adjustment. On top of the ruggedized construction, the scope is fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof to ensure uninterrupted performance in the hunting fields.
Another remarkable feature of this scope is a decent amount of eye relief. It boasts a generous eye relief of 3.8” for all people with or without eyewear. Over and above that, the scope has a fast-focus eyepiece that is essential for quick and easy reticle focusing.
To complement the great glassing comfort, this optic has built-in accuracy features which facilitate fast and accurate shooting at extended ranges. It also has XD lens elements that work with XR fully multi-coated lenses to increase target appearance in all lighting conditions.
Features
- Precision glide erector system
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Precision-force spring system
- 30mm main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Second focal plane reticle
- XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
Pros
- Built-in accuracy features
- Ample amount of eye relief
- Illuminated reticle
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- None
3) Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 20.3 oz
- Length: 10.61 in
- Mount Type: Ring
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Eye Relief: 3.35 – 3.54 in
- Exit Pupil: 7.7 – 2.5 mm
Swampfox Arrowhead 1-8x24mm is a 30mm LPVO that strikes the ultimate balance between value and performance. It is a good sighting tool for law enforcement, hunting, and self-defense applications.
This LPVO uses state-of-the-art optical design to create bright, clear-sight pictures even in poorly lit environments. Furthermore, it boasts a wide field of view and excellent resolution, making it easy to identify targets accurately.
When it comes to construction, this optic is built with the most durable materials to create a body that is not just durable but also shockproof and impact resistant. On top of that, it has an IPX7 rating against dust and moisture. It is also fog proofed to keep the lenses clear in all environments.
To top it all off, the Swampfox Arrowhead 1-8x24mm LPVO also boasts 100 MOA of windage and elevation adjustment to fine-tune your shooting accuracy in all terrains.
Features
- Fast focus diopter
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm body tube
- IPX7 waterproof and fog proof construction
- 1/2 MOA impact point correction
- 1-8x total magnification
Pros
- Incredible reticle illumination
- Sturdy and duty-worthy construction
- Lightweight
- Crystal clear glass
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
4) SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-10x28mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 20.4 oz
- Mount Type: Cantilever Mount
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.8 – 9 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.22 – 3.54 in
The SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-10x28mm LPVO is your go-to optic if you need a sighting tool for quick engagement and target acquisition in any shooting scenario. It is compatible with a wide range of rifles and has a 34mm body tube for greater strength and dependability.
This LPVO brings to the table high-performance glass for industry-leading light transmission. As a result, you are guaranteed stunning optical clarity in any lighting environment. Besides, the reticle’s brightness is adjustable into 11 different settings for you to choose from.
This scope’s optical quality is outstanding, as well as its build quality. It has an anodized aluminum body and is toughly built to withstand rough handling. The optical tube also has dependable waterproof and fog-proof protection for operability under any weather.
The other noteworthy features this optic has are a built-in throw lever for quick magnification changes and a large field of view for fast scanning and target finding.
Features
- 34mm body tube
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- High performance optical glass
- Integrated throw lever
- Second focal plane reticle
- Anodized aluminum body
- Spectracoat optical coating
- 11 adjustable brightness levels
Pros
- Crisp turrets
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight design
Cons
- None
5) Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 16.5 oz
- Length: 10.2 in
- Reticle: Illuminated BTR-1
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
Next on our best LPVO under 500 list is Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. It is specially developed for the AR-15 rifle, where it enhances accuracy and target acquisition speed.
The optical performance of this LPVO scope is a force to reckon with. It is made with premium-quality glass elements that maximize resolution and color to increase your efficiency in the field. On top of that, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses to create bright and vivid image views, even in poorly lit environments.
Durability is another feature that makes this scope ideal for the AR-15. It is built with capped turrets and robust housing to withstand rough and rigorous use. The waterproof and fog proof protection also guarantees dependable performance in all weather conditions.
This optic is also built with a throw-down power change lever that aids in fast magnification changes and an illuminated BTR-1 BDC reticle on the rear focal plane.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Capped turrets
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Rugged construction
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Great reticle illumination
- Clear glass
- Superb overall build quality
Cons
- Fixed parallax
6) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Length: 9.8 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Weight: 16 oz
- Mount Type: Ring
- Reticle: V-Brite
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 6 – 24 mm
The Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope is our recommendation for beginners. This entry-level rifle scope is not just cost-effective but also simple to use. It is also an ideal choice for close to mid-range hunting and tactical shooting.
It is built on a 30mm tube diameter, providing ample room for windage and elevation adjustment. With exceptional built quality, this scope guarantees reliable performance even in the most challenging outdoor conditions. Besides, it is fully waterproof and fog proof to outlast all elements.
Exceptional optical performance is another outstanding Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope attribute. It has fully multi-coated optics that limit glare and prevent light loss via internal reflection. This increases the volume of light transmitted inside the tube to create a bright and clear sight picture.
Vortex also built this LPVO with a long eye relief of 4” and a lightweight design of 16oz to ensure comfortable glassing and ease of maneuverability.
Features
- Second focal plane V-Brite reticle
- 30mm tube diameter
- Anodized aluminum body
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- LED reticle illumination
Pros
- Sufficient eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Quality glass
Cons
- None
7) Swampfox Arrowhead LPVO 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 20.3 oz
- Length: 10.67 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Mount Type: Ring
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.3 – 8 mm
Another best LPVO under 500 in our list is the Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10x24mm. This optic meets and exceeds the needs of every avid gun enthusiast who wants a sighting tool that can cover targets at close quarters and long ranges.
The selling point of this LPVO is optical design. It is built with a state-of-the-art optical system that yields unmatched image brightness and clarity. On top of that, it has an ultra-spacious field of view even at the highest 10x magnification.
This rifle scope is built to be nearly indestructible. It is tested and verified to stand up to 1,100G forces of impact. On top of that, it boasts dependable waterproof, dustproof and fog proof protection for use in all kinds of weather conditions.
All these features, plus a fast focus diopter and throw lever, are built in a 30mm body tube, making the scope compatible with various firearms.
Features
- IPX-7 waterproof and fog proof
- 30mm body tube
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1-10x total magnification
- 12 brightness settings for the reticle
- Fast focus diopter
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable and versatile
- Tactile locking turrets
- Great illuminated reticle with auto-ranging
Cons
- None
8) Primary Arms 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
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Specifications
- Weight: 16.9 oz
- Length: 10 in
- Eye Relief: 3.3 – 3.5 in
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 9 mm
Our last but not least, LPVO recommendation under 500 is the Primary Arms 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope. As one of the most user-friendly optics, it is a must-have for every avid shooter. It is also well built to weather rigorous use in all shooting fields.
The scope boasts an Advanced Combat Sighting System, a reticle system that provides bullet drop compensation and wind holds in addition to moving target leads and range estimation. As such, you are guaranteed accurate target acquisition out to 800 yards.
Moreover, the reticle is put on the rear focal plane and illuminated to maintain its visibility and contrast in low-light settings. Over and above that, the scope has fully multi-coated lenses to enhance light transmission in low-light settings. It is also ideal for use under any weather condition, thanks to the water, dust and fog protection
Features
- 30mm body tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Advanced Combat Sighting System
- Hard coat anodized matte finish
- Second focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Ease of use
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons
- Short eye relief at the highest zoom level
See Also
- 6 Best Image Stabilized Binoculars for Boating
- 3 Best Vortex Shotgun Red Dots
- 6 Best Gun Cases for Flying
How to Choose the Best LPVO under 500
There are plenty of LPVO scopes out there, and here are the key things you should consider when buying one for your rifle.
Quality Construction
Even if you are on a budget, you don’t want to buy a cheaply built scope that will serve you only for a short period. So, ensure that your LPVO scope is built with durability in mind. On top of that, the best LPVO under 500 should be shockproof, fog proof and waterproof.
Magnification
It is important to get an LPVO with appropriate magnification power depending on the distance you will be shooting at and the kind of shooting you will be doing. A low-powered variable optic with 1-6x or 1-8x is great for competition shooting and hunting. On the other hand, a model with 1-10x is great for long-range shooting, while a counterpart with 1-4x is best for use at close quarters.
Reticle Style
The next thing to consider is the reticle style the scope has. For regular hunting, a simple duplex reticle is the best. On the other hand, you will require a more advanced reticle system for long-range shooting.
Image Quality
Continuing on, ensure that you pay attention to the scope’s glass elements. For the best LPVO under 500, we recommend settling for a high-performance glass unit. The scope should also be built with quality lens coatings to ensure efficient light transmission.
See Also
- 5 Best Red Dots for Glock 17 (Gen 5 Mos)
- 6 Best Vortex Binoculars for Birding
- 6 Best First Bikes for Toddlers
FAQs on the Best LPVO Under 500
1) What is the best magnification range for LPVO?
Generally, low-powered variable scopes magnify between 1x and 10x, with 4x, 6x and 8x being the more popular sizes.
2) What is the best use for LPVO?
LPVO scopes are best used for hunting, shooting and law enforcement applications. If the kind of shooting you do requires quick target acquisition, and it is either at close or mid-range, it is best to have an LPVO scope compared to the standard scopes.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you all the information about the best LPVO under 500. With the ever-changing and ever-advancing optic world, LPVO scopes have become more affordable without compromising quality or functionality. Factor in the shooting you will be doing, then use this guide to find the LPVO scope that works best for your needs.
See Also