Our love of the “do it all” kind of tool is the reason why Swiss Army knives and multi-tools are so popular. It’s great to have one thing with you that solves a myriad of problems. And so it is with the LPVO, or low power variable optic. These scopes are a very popular accessory for AR-pattern rifles and typically start out at 1x to give you a fast aiming point for close engagements, then zoom out to 4x, 6x, 8x and beyond for long-distance targets.

Gideon | Guardian LPVO
The Guardian changes from a 1X optic for close-range work to a 10X telescopic sight for targets at long range. It sports a BDC reticle for 100 and 300 yards when used with 55-grain 5.56 NATO. There are also 11 brightness settings for the illuminated reticle for use in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: Illuminated 5.56 Ranging BDC
Length: 10.8 inches
Weight: 20.1 ounces
MSRP: $399
(724) 213-9721; gideonoptics.com

Hawke | Frontier 30 FD
Incorporating low-profile, capped turrets, a reticle with multiple high-intensity LEDs, wide field-of-view and removable zoom magnification throw lever, the Frontier 30 FD is designed with the features shooters demand in an LPVO. Additionally, it has a 30 mm mono-tube chassis, metal flip-up covers and boasts a 10X magnification range, making hits from CQB to long ranges achievable.

Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
Reticle: MOA or Mil fiber dot
Length: 11.1 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
MSRP: $1,199
(877) 429-5347; hawkeoptics.com

Leupold | Mark 4HD 1-4.5X
Leupold’s new Mark 4HD series includes this low-power, variable optic (LPVO) perfect for the defensive carbine. Featuring motion-sensing technology for the illuminated reticle, a removable throw lever and electronic reticle leveling, this new scope retains the legendary toughness and quality for which Leupold is known.

Magnification: 1-4.5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Illuminated Firedot TMR
Length: 10.7 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $999
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com

Swampfox | Tomahawk II
Available in 1-4×24 mm and 1-6×24 mm configurations and a variety of colored second-focal-plane illuminated reticles, the Tomahawk II features new push/pull locking elevation turret with zero reset and 12 illumination settings. Its 30 mm main tube offers plenty of elevation and windage adjustment.

Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Bright Fiber Optic (BFO) or Guerilla Dot BRC
Length: 10.6 inches
Weight: 20.3 ounces
MSRP: $449
(720) 389-6719; swampfoxoptics.com

Trijicon | Credo 1-10×28
Designed for effective employment from CQB to extended ranges, the Credo is a tactical LPVO from one of the most trusted names in military optics. This first-focal-plane scope has a 34 mm tube and an illuminated reticle with subtle wind holds. It uses multi-coated, anti-reflective glass for superior optical performance.

Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: Segmented circle (enhanced)
Length: 10.1 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces
MSRP: $2,150
(800) 338-0563; trijicon.com

UTG | Integrix iX8 1-8×28 FFP LPVO
This LPVO sports an 8X magnification range and uses individually tested German and Japanese glass that promises outstanding image quality. It is rugged, rated for use in extreme cold and heat and on rifles up to .338 Lapua Mag. Its illuminated reticle has 10 brightness settings and features both red and green options, along with a 12-hour automatic shutoff.

Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: A1 MOA CQB Reticle
Length: 10.9 inches
Weight: 25.3 ounces
MSRP: $1,399
(734) 542-1500; leapers.com

Article by SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED STAFF

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