What are the best budget LPVO scopes? This post seeks to give you the answer to this question by providing an in-depth review of the best budget LPVO scopes.
In the past few years, the popularity of LPVO scopes has been on the rise. Today, these variable power scopes have grown to become the dominant optic choice on the market. They work well in virtually every distance your intermediate cartridge rifle can shoot and are highly versatile. Moreover, they are very easy to use for all shooters and hunters irrespective of their shooting skills.
What is an LPVO?
LPVO is an abbreviation for Low Power Variable Optic built with moderate magnification power. The unique thing that makes LPVOs different from other scopes is that the magnification range starts from 1x and goes up to 8x or 10x only.
Most of the brands that make LPVOs focus on making a reliable optic that offers the perfect balance between ample magnification and high accuracy. These scopes also offer a generous amount of eye relief which provides a rapid target acquisition of a red dot optic while still maintaining the magnification of a full-blown scope.
What Makes a Great LPVO Scope?
A great LPVO scope is made of a wide range of optical and design characteristics. Firstly, the scope has to have high-quality glass and solid lens coatings to ensure that the sight pictures generated are bright, tack-sharp and crisp clear. It should also have a magnification power that caters for all your shooting or hunting needs.
The other features that a great LVPO scope should have include:
- A high build quality to stand up to rough handling and maximize durability
- Scratch resistant lens coating to prevent scratches and abrasions
- Lightweight design for easy carrying in the field
- A reticle that is accurate at all magnification levels and easy to use
- Weatherproof construction. The best budget LPVO scope should be O-ring sealed and purged/filled with inert gas to be fully waterproof, dustproof and fog proof
- Smooth magnification adjustment to allow for convenient scanning of targets at low zoom power and a swift shift to the highest power when pursuing targets at longer ranges
- Parallax adjustment and a wide field of view
7 Best Budget LPVO Scopes
With the sea of LPVO scopes available out there, it is quite a taxing task to find a model that is ideal for your needs, especially when you are on a budget. If you are having a difficult finding the appropriate model, here are the best budget LPVO scopes that are made for the modern hunters and shooters. Let’s have a look.
1) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
Vortex, a well known and highly-respected brands in the optics industry manufacturers rough and tough optics and the Crossfire II 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope is not an exception. The scope is built on a 30mm tube and harbors a multitude of impressive and easy to use features which make it the best budget LPVO scope.
This LPVO scope boasts a fast focus eyepiece for quick and simple reticle focusing, and a long 4” eye relief to ensure that you have a comfortable glassing experience, with or without eyewear. It is also built with capped reset turrets to prevent accidental adjustments when you are on the field and also allow for speedy re-indexing of the turret with no tools needed.
Construction-wise, the scope is built to be nearly indestructible. It is made from aircraft grade aluminum which delivers great sturdiness and rigidity. It is shockproof to withstand recoil and impacts, and fully waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition.
Furthermore, the scope brings to the table fully multi-coated lenses which increase the transmission of light in low light settings. It also features a highly durable hard anodized finish which reduces surface reflection when you are using the scope in broad daylight and shields the scope from rust, corrosion and scratches.
Features
- Capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 30mm body tube
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Great eye relief
- Clear lens
- Easy to mount and use
- The fast focus eyepiece works well
Cons
- Ideal for use taking shots at short and medium ranges only
2) Primary Arms 1-6 x 24mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Primary Arms 1-6 x 24mm rifle scope is a must have LPVO for every hunter and shooter out there. This scope offers the perfect balance of value and quality, as it is ideal for use in virtually any lighting or weather condition.
Primary Arms made this scope with premium-quality, well-constructed glass to enhance resolution and color fidelity. The lenses are fully multi-coated with solid quality coatings to reduce glare and loss of light due to reflection. This guarantees optimal light transfer so the images generated are bright and clear even in low light settings.
Another outstanding facet of the scope is the Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle. The reticle provides range estimation, wind holds, bullet drop compensation as well as moving target leads. With this system, the scope is ideal for use on wide range of rifles where it provides unmatched accuracy from 300-800 yards and fast target acquisition at 0-300 yards.
This lightweight scope is made to last. It boasts a tough and shockproof housing to stand up to recoil, impact and any rough handling. It is also waterproof and fog resistant to ensure unimpeded field use.
Features
- Capped turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Second focal plane reticle
- 30mm main tube
- Matte finish
- 1-6x zoom power
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Lightweight
- The finish is ultra-durable
- It holds zero well
Cons
- The eye relief is short
3) Athlon Optics 1-4 x 24 mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Athlon Optics 1-4 x 24 mm Rifle scope is one of the best budget LPVO scopes for beginners. It has an array of intuitive and user-friendly features suitable for close and medium range hunting and shooting.
Built on a 30mm body tube, the scope provides ample room for internal adjustments and reticle movement. It is easy to mount on different rifles and very simple to shoot with. Moreover, it boasts a second focal plane illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings which ensure great visibility of both the reticle and the target in nearly all lighting conditions.
Complementing the reticle illumination are fully multi-coated optics which effectively reduce light reflection and increase light transmission to give you bright and clear sight pictures. In terms of construction, the body of the scope is made from aircraft grade aluminum which is durable and lightweight. It is also gas purged and sealed so it is fully waterproof and fog proof.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Aircraft grade aluminum construction
- IPX-7 water resistant
- Shockproof and fog proof
- Matte finish
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to use
- Fast target acquisition
- Good warranty
Cons
- Reticle illumination is not that bright
- Cheap and low-quality lens caps
4) SightMark Core TX 1-4×24 AR-223 BDC Rifle Scope
Next up we have the SightMark Core TX 1-4×24 AR-223 BDC Rifle Scope. This LPVO scope is specifically calibrated for the .223 and it is ideal for taking shots at close to medium ranges.
The scope is made with versatility in mind. It is simple to use and a perfect optic for target shooting, and hunting, in addition to competition shooting and tactical operation. It also boasts an illuminated BDC reticle with adjustable red and green illumination to make target acquisition simple and easy, even in low light settings.
Another highlight of this scope is the solid construction. It has a hard-anodized, 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum construction which is tough enough to take in any punishment you subject it to. Furthermore, the scope is nitrogen filled to prevent fog from building up inside the lenses and sealed on both ends to be waterproof and dust proof.
For lighting fast magnification adjustment even when you are on the go, the scope comes with a throw lever for. It is also built with advanced fully multi-coated lenses to ensure that the images generated are bright and of uncompromising quality, even in low light settings.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Shock, fog and waterproof
- Second focal plane BDC reticle
- Exposed, pop-up locking turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum construction
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Simple to use and highly accurate reticle
- Illuminated reticle
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shorter eye relief at max magnification
5) Bushnell Prime 1-4×32 Rifle Scope
Our next LPVO scope recommendation for the budget buyers is the Bushnell Prime 1-4×32 Rifle Scope. It is a versatile optic that is simple to use even for beginners and an ideal choice for virtually all close and medium range applications.
On the lowest magnification power, the scope performs like an unmagnified reflex sight where it provides a massive field of view for rapid target acquisition. You can also dial the zoom power up to 4x and increase your odds of making more accurate shots at medium ranges.
The scope provides crisp clear views of targets in any environment. This is thanks to the proprietary EXO barrier lens coating which maintains a clear field of view by repelling water, oil, fog and fingerprint stains. Moreover, it has broadband anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics to improve contrast and clarity in the whole visible spectrum.
Regrading construction, this LPVO has a 1-inch single-piece main tube crafted from aluminum alloy. It is lightweight to disperse recoil from high caliber weapons yet durable enough to take in the beating. It is also shockproof to maximize durability.
To top is all off, the scope is O-ring sealed to be waterproof and dustproof to an IPX-7 level, and nitrogen filled to ensure that both the interior and exterior lenses are resistant to fogging.
Features
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
- Multi-X duplex reticle
- Capped, finger-adjustable turrets
- IPX-7 water resistant
- EXO barrier lens coating
- Durable aluminum housing
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Compact and lightweight design
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- The eyepiece is too long
6) Truglo Omnia 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
As one of the best budget LPVO scopes, the Truglo Omnia 1-6x24mm is made with modern sporting rifles in mind. It is designed for performance and reliability which make it a top choice for close and medium range applications.
The scope provides the perfect combination of versatility and precision. It has an illuminated all purpose tactical reticle for precision measurement without crowded sight pictures. It is also equipped with an APTUS-M1 mount which provides a strong hold and perfect mounting position on different sporting rifles.
Furthermore, the scope features a hard anodized 30mm tube which provides for increased turret adjustment range. The locking turrets included prevent accidental adjustment in the field, while the leaf-spring turret control ensures positive and responsive click adjustment.
To enhance contrast and clarity, the scope features fully multi-coated lenses which also reduce glare and light reflection that leads to light loss. It also boasts a water resistant housing for use even in harsh weather conditions and nitrogen filled tube to prevent fog build up on the interior and exterior lenses.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Multi-coated lenses
- Locking target turrets
- Water resistant, shock resistant and fog proof
- Glass-etched rear focal plane reticle
- Hardcoat anodized matte finish
- Leaf-spring turret control
Pros
- Quick to mount and easy to use
- Illuminated reticle
- Good weight
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Poor eye relief
7) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Speed and versatility are what you get from the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope. It has a variable 1-6x magnification power which makes it an ideal choice for shooters looking to pursue targets from a point-blank range out to 600 yards.
The scope employs a BDC-3 (MOA) reticle that is housed on the second focal plane. This reticle is improved for ranging distances and holdovers. It is also illuminated to optimize visibility and contrast with the target when you are shooting in low light conditions.
To ensure smooth magnification adjustment, the scope has a throw lever that is ambidextrous and easily accessible without you changing your shooting position. It also features a fast focus dial on the eyepiece to allow for quick and simple reticle focusing and a lightweight design that makes it easy to mount and use.
More importantly, this LPVO scope has anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to enhance light transmission. When it comes to construction, it features a single-piece 30mm main tube crafted from aircraft grade aluminum. This solid construction is a guarantee that the scope will weather any rough handling you subject it to and give you many years of use.
The scope is also O-ring sealed to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the optics and nitrogen purged to keep the lenses fog-free.
Features
- Second focal plane BDC-3 (MOA) reticle
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Single-piece 30mm body tube
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Fast focus dial on the eyepiece
- Thread-in throw lever
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- 1-6x magnification range
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Speed and versatility
- Great clarity
- Easy to zero
- Well built to last long
Cons
- Cheap rear flip cap
Read Also
- Best LPVO Scopes
- Best Scope for 6.5 Grendel
- Best Night Vision Scopes for AR-15
- Best Scopes for Hog Hunting
Factors to Consider when Choosing an LPVO Scope
When shopping for the best budget LPVO scopes, here are the things you when put into consideration will help guide you in making a wise selection.
Usage
Firstly, consider the kind of shooting you intend to use the scope for. Is it for hunting, tactical shooting, plinking at the range or competitive shooting? By being activity-specific, it will be easier to narrow down your choice to a model that is the best match for your needs.
Glass Quality
The next thing to consider is the glass quality of the scope. If you are buying a scope for the first time, going with a manufacturer that is renowned for quality and clear glass is great place to start.
Furthermore, ensure that the scope come with quality lens coatings for enhancing light transmission. A tip is to get a scope that has fully multi-coated lenses. It will transmit as much light as possible and ensure that the sight pictures produced are not just clear, but also bright and detailed, even when you are using the scope in low light settings.
Weight
The weight of the best budget LPVO scopes varies from one product to the other. Typically, the type of material used to make the scope and the glass quality determine its overall weight.
Irrespective of the application you plan to use the LPVO scope for, look for a lightweight product. A light scope is easy to mount and simpler to use. It is also easier to carry in the field and more effective at dispersing recoil from high caliber weapons.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of an LPVO scope determines how durable and reliable it will be. A scope that is constructed using premium quality materials offers unmatched durability, while those made using poor quality materials will break down after a few applications only.
Look for a scope that is built from aircraft grade aluminum, magnesium alloy or any other sturdier and durable material. The scope should also be shockproof to weather the rough handling that comes with hunting and shooting, and fully waterproof and fog proof for use in all weather conditions.
Reticle
Lastly, consider the reticle which is the aiming point of the scope. With LPVO scopes, you can choose a BDC, MRAD/MOA reticle or any other reticle design that works best for your individual needs.
The other aspect to consider is whether or not the reticle is illuminated. If you plan to use the scope primarily for hunting, it is wise to get a model with an illuminated reticle. With reticle illumination, you shooting accuracy will be enhanced especially when you are pursuing game in low light settings.
FAQs
- How far can you accurately shoot with an LPVO?
This will depend on the LPVO scope you are using and the weather and lighting condition. But on average, LPVOs are ideal for shooting at different distances from as close as 5 yards to 500 yards and above.
- Can you shoot an LPVO with both eyes open?
Yes. A typical LPVO scope has 1x magnification at the lowest power setting. At 1x magnification, the scope has a similar magnification as a normal sight which allows for shooting with both eyes open.
- Are LPVO scopes worth it?
Absolutely. LPVOs are a worthy investment as they are built for speed and versatility. They work well at close and medium ranges and are built for multiple applications including hunting, self-defense, plinking at the range, tactical applications as well as competitive shooting.
Conclusion
LPVOs are versatile scopes that make a handy companion in most hunting and shooting applications. They are built for speed, accuracy and versatility. These features makes them a favorite choice for many. We hope that this article has been of great help to you and you are now able to find the best budget LPVO scope that blends will all your needs in a perfect manner.