If you are on the hunt for the best LPVO for AR-15, you have come to the right place. In our post today, we shed light on the best low power variable optics suitable for use with the AR-15 rifle.
LPVOs are multifunctional optics that provide great performance in a broad range of shooting and hunting applications. For many, they are the go-to sighting tool because of the way they combine the aspects of a red dot sight and a traditional scope into a single optic. Besides, LPVOs offer great accuracy and are reliable when you need them the most.
The versatility of LPVOs makes them a perfect addition to the equally versatile AR-15. With the right optic, you will be able to engage targets across different ranges and most importantly make your hunting or shooting expeditions more competitive.
What Makes a Great LPVO for AR-15
For an LPVO to be great for the AR-15, it must have the attributes that you will need to push this rifle to its full potential. Firstly, the scope has to have a zoom power that caters to your needs and makes it easy for you to pursue targets at different ranges.
Furthermore, the optic should have a solid lens coating and high-end glass that enhances resolution. With proper lens coatings, light transmission will be enhanced and result in the production of bright, clear, and sharp image views.
A great LPVO for AR-15 should have robust housing that is sturdy enough to last long and give many years of use. Additionally, it should be shockproof to handle the recoil the firearm generates and have a weatherproofed body that is safe to use even in adverse weather conditions.
For comfortable observation and quick target acquisition, the optic has to have generous eye relief. It should also have a reticle that is less complicated to use and a lightweight construction for convenient carrying together with the rifle.
8 Best LPVOs for AR-15
The rising demand for LPVO has seen the market now flooded with models from different brands. With so many options to choose from, the task of finding the right scope for your needs becomes more daunting. Here is a detailed review of the best LPVOs for AR-15 available on the market. Let’s take a look.
1) Steiner T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope
Steiner prides itself in making premium quality optics and the T5Xi Tactical Rifle Scope is not an exception. It brings unmatched clarity and precision in a compact optic that makes it by far the best LPVO for AR-15.
The true 1x magnification setting allows for both eyes to open shooting. This increases your situational awareness in close quarters and expedites your speed of target acquisition. You can also ramp up the magnification to 5x for rapid target acquisition at longer ranges.
This LPVO utilizes a 3TR 7.62 illuminated reticle that provides a clear point of aim in any lighting condition. The reticle is calibrated for 7.62mm with stadia lines below the crosshairs. With this design, you will be able to engage your subjects accurately out to 600 yards.
Moreover, it boasts a high-end optical system that provides unmatched clarity and superb light transfer when you are shooting in low-light settings. The scope also features low-profile turrets that are capped to withstand rough handling and prevent unwanted adjustments in the field.
Features
- Premium lens coatings
- 3TR 7.62 illuminated reticle
- Waterproof and submersible to 33ft
- 30mm body tube
- 1-5x magnification power
- Built-in throw lever
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Reticle illumination
- Excellent accuracy
- Crisp clear glass
Cons
- The parallax is fixed
2) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle Scope
The Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is one of the best budget LPVOs for the AR-15. It offers great speed and accuracy across vast ranges. It is also designed to offer unmatched versatility which is what every hunter/shooter wants in a scope.
This rifle scope is built to offer outstanding durability. It has a 30mm tube crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is shockproof to stand up to fierce recoil, accidental falls, and other impacts. Besides, it is nitrogen-purged and sealed with O-rings to be fully waterproof and fog proof.
For added convenience, the scope has a fast focus dial on the eyepiece for rapid and simple reticle focusing. The reticle is illuminated to be visible in low light settings and a thread-in throw lever is included to make magnification adjustments easy.
Optically, the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 rifle scope features anti-reflective coatings on every air-to-glass surface. The coatings increase light transmission for greater low-light performance, cut glare, and provide an additional shield from scratches when you are out in the fields.
Features
- Second focal plane BDC MOA reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Thread-in throw lever
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- 30mm main tube
- Low-capped turrets
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Speed and versatility
- Easy to use
- Fair price
Cons
- Susceptible to heat distortion
3) EOTECH Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Rifle Scope
The EOTECH Vudu 1-6x24mm Precision Rifle Scope is where precision, durability, and versatility meet. It pairs perfectly with the AR-15 where it becomes a highly valuable addition when hunting or shooting at short to medium ranges.
This rifle scope is fully loaded with impressive features to offer maximum performance in any situation. It uses an illuminated reticle that offers great precision in low-lighting conditions by enhancing its contrast and that of the target. The reticle is put on the first focal plane and has a speed ring included for fast target acquisition.
When it comes to construction, the optic is shock-resistant to prevent damage from heavy recoil and regular rough handling. The single-piece main tube is O-ring sealed to prevent moisture and dust from entering the scope. It is also filled with nitrogen gas to drive out internal moisture and ensure that the optics are fog-free.
Moreover, the picture quality the scope provides is admirable. It employs XC high-density, low-dispersion glass, and anti-reflective lenses to offer efficient light transfer and provide bright image views with superb edge-to-edge clarity.
Features
- Anti-reflective coated lenses
- Water and fog resistant
- XC high-density glass
- First focal plane reticle
- 1-6x magnification power
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Lightweight design
- High build quality
- Easy to use
- Clear and bright optics
Cons
- Pricey
4) Trijicon VCOG VC18 1-8x28mm Rifle Scope
The Trijicon VCOG VC18 1-8x28mm Rifle Scope is designed for CQB and long-range marksmanship. It harbors a multitude of outstanding and user-friendly features that make it the best LPVO for AR-15.
Built from forged aircraft quality 7075-T6 aluminum, the scope is virtually indestructible. It will take in rough handling and withstand whatever nature throws at it. Besides, it is waterproof and submersible to 20m/66ft for use in light showers and in any other weather condition.
The superior glass the scope uses provides excellent clarity and color richness without any distortion. Complementing the quality glass is a cross-hair dot reticle that is illumination for use even in critically low light settings. A dial fin is also included to ensure effortless rotation through the magnification range.
Features
- First focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and submersible to 20m
- LED reticle illumination
- Superior glass quality
- Aircraft quality 7075-T6 aluminum housing
- Integrated dial fin
Pros
- Crisp clear optics
- American quality
- Reticle illumination
Cons
- Slightly heavy
5) Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 Rifle Scope
Next up, we have the Bushnell AR Optics 1-4×24 Rifle Scope. Adding this LPVO to your AR-15 will enhance your performance in the range and boost your accuracy even when you are required to take a shot in the most difficult situations.
The Drop Zone 223 Reticle on this scope provides outstanding low light performance and accurate holdover out to 500 yards. It is housed on the second focal plane so it retains a constant size through every magnification and is easy to use, even for beginners.
Moreover, the scope features multi-coated optics that yield bright and quality image views from sunrise to sunset by maximizing light transmission. The fast-focus eyepiece included makes reticle focusing an easy task and aids in rapid target acquisition. The scope also boasts exposed finger adjustable high turrets and an IPX-7 water resistance rating for use in all weather conditions.
Features
- 1-4x magnification
- IPX-7 waterproof and dustproof
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- 30mm main tube
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Exposed finger adjustable high turrets
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Budget-friendly
- Clear optics
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Nonilluminated
6) Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope
If you want a scope that will take your hunting skills with the AR-15 a notch higher, the Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope is your ideal option. Built with the hunter in mind, the scope provides a ton of reliable features in a compact, lightweight, and rugged unit.
The scope has a first focal plane reticle that is calibrated to be true at every zoom setting. It has an automatic ranging out to 600 yards, moving target leads, and 11 brightness settings that guarantee visibility in nearly all lighting conditions.
In this rifle scope, all the lenses are fully multi-coated to offer maximum light transmission and reduce internal reflection that results in loss of light. These coatings limit glare so the scope yields bright, crisp clear, and rich in detail sight pictures even in critically low light settings. They also provide additional protection from scratches.
Construction-wise, the scope has a rugged body anodized with a Type II matte black finish. It is also waterproof, dustproof, and nitrogen-purged to give you a lifetime of fog proof performance.
Features
- Variable 1-6x magnification
- First focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Hard coat anodized finish
- Waterproof, fog-resistant and dustproof
- Rugged 6063 aluminum housing
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Durable and scratch-proof finish
- Great glass quality
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Fish eye effect at close ranges
7) Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm Rifle Scope
Next on our list of the best LPVO for AR-15 is the Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm scope from Vortex. This high-end rifle scope uses the latest generation of glass to give you stunning performance in the shooting range or hunting field.
The scope is built to endure the harshest environments. It has a shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof construction so you can use it in the most demanding conditions. The solid build quality also withstands powerful recoil to guarantee many years of use.
Another outstanding facet of the scope is its optical finesse. It has XR fully multi-coated lenses that amplify the transmission of light collected by the objective lens. This plus the HD glass creates sight pictures that are bright, vivid, and rich in color accuracy across the whole visible light spectrum.
Furthermore, the scope is built on a 34mm diameter tube which provides maximized internal adjustment and strength. Also included is a first focal plane reticle that is protected by two layers of glass to offer optimum durability and reliability.
Features
- 34mm diameter main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Hard anodized stealth shadow finish
- HD optical system
- First focal plane glass-etched reticle
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
Pros
- Excellent glass quality
- Outstanding durability
- Easy to use
- Day bright illuminated reticle
- Generous eye relief
Cons
- Big budget
8) Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane FFP Rifle Scope
The Monstrum G3 1-6×24 FFP Rifle Scope is a feature-packed LPVO available at a price that is hard to beat. It is simple to use and a great sighting tool for beginners, seasoned shooters, and anyone in between.
Built with an adjustable 1-6x magnification power, the scope will give you the flexibility to take shots across vast distances as well as in different environments. It has 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustment with a zero setting to fine-tune your accuracy, and an etched Type-C reticle with red illumination to provide you with a precise point of aim no matter the lighting condition.
When it comes to construction, this LPVO is manufactured from aircraft grade 6061 aluminum which is tough but lightweight. Along with the scratch and rust-resistant hard anodized finish, the scope is weatherproofed to stay ready in any environment. It also features all brass mechanics to add on durability and locking turrets to prevent accidental adjustments.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- FFP Type-C reticle
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Type III hard anodized finish
- 1-6x magnification
- Brass internals
- Locking turrets
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Illuminated reticle
- Long eye relief
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Fisheye at low powers
Read Also
- Best Budget LPVO Scope
- Best Long Range Rifle Scopes
- Best 3-9×40 Scopes
- Best Rimfire Scope for Hunting
Criteria for Choosing the Best LPVO for AR-15
Explained below are the key factors you should take into consideration when shopping for the best LPVO for your AR-15.
Usage
The versatility of the AR-15 rifle is hard to beat. When getting the best LPVO for AR-15, consider the kind of application you will be using it for. Is it for hunting, shooting, home defense, or other applications? When you are specific about the application, you will have an easy time finding a scope that blends perfectly with your needs.
Glass Quality
The type of glass a scope is made with will either make or break your shooting/hunting trip. A scope with clear, distortion-free glass is key to having quality views of your subjects even in critically low light settings. And with quality sight pictures, you will be able to make a clean shot.
A great place to start is to get a scope that is from a renowned manufacturer. The household names in the field of optics use quality glass like ED or HD on their scopes. The scope lenses should also have good lens coatings to enhance light transmission, especially in low-light settings.
Eye Relief
The best LPVO for AR-15 has a long eye relief of at least 3.5 inches. Such a scope will be more comfortable to shoot with even with eyeglasses on. A long eye relief will also shield your eye from getting hit when the rifle generates fierce recoil, and help you take clean shots from different shooting positions.
Build Quality
Both hunting and shooting at the range can be extremely hard on the scope. You will be maneuvering it through difficult spaces and in such situations, the scope gets bumped on something or something brushes against it.
If the scope is cheaply built, it will not last you long. It will break down and you will find yourself back in the market to buy another one. To avoid all that, get a scope that is built to last. Shock and impact resistance are key if you want to use the scope for a long.
In addition, the best LPVO for AR-15 should have scratch-resistant lenses for added protection in the field. It should also be filled with an inert gas to prevent fogging and be waterproof for all-weather reliability.
Weight
Next, consider the weight of the scope. We always recommend that you get the lightest scope possible. A light scope will not add any extra bulk to your rifle or affect its accuracy. Another benefit of getting a light LPVO is that it will be easy to maneuver with in more effectively the field. The lightweight construction will also disperse recoil in a more effective manner to add durability.
Price
Last but not least, consider the price. LPVO scopes are available at different price tags depending on the features the scope has, the brand and, the quality of construction. Take a look at the build quality and the other features each scope offers, then select the model that fits your budget.
FAQs
- What scope magnification is considered LPVO?
1-6x is the general LPVO magnification. However, LPVOs also exist in 1-4x, 1-8x, and 1-10x magnifications. The important thing is that the scope has a true 1x for the lowest zoom settings and not more than 10x for the highest setting.
- How durable is an LPVO?
The durability of any LPVO depends on several factors including the build quality, the material used to manufacture it, and how well you take care of it. Most LPVOs have high build quality as regular scopes to last long and give you reliable performance irrespective of the punishment you subject them to.
- Which is better, a red dot sight or an LPVO?
It depends. If you plan on taking shots at close ranges only and you are also after precision and quick target acquisition, it is best to get a red dot sight. An LPVO on the other hand is the best choice for taking shots at vast ranges and in different environments where a red dot won’t be practical.
Conclusion
We hope that this post on the best LPVO for AR-15 has been of great help to you. All the scopes we have mentioned above are durable and ultra-versatile to match the versatility of this popular rifle. They are simple to use and a handy companion for either hunting or shooting applications. Consider the activity you plan to use the LPVO for, then focus on finding the unit that blends perfectly with your needs.