If you are looking for an affordable optic to transform your rifle into a potent shooting solution, you have come to the right place. Today’s spotlight is on the best budget LPVO scopes.
Combining rapid target acquisition of a red dot sight and the variable-ranging power of a magnified scope, LPVO provides practical shooting solutions for virtually any shooting scenario.
To make your hunting or shooting rifle more flexible, you should consider getting a Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO). These versatile optic systems are perfect for virtually all hunting and shooting applications at close and medium ranges.
In the past few years, the popularity and demand of LPVO scopes have been on the rise. To meet the demand, there are a sea of products available on the market today. With so many scopes to choose from, finding the right option for your needs becomes overwhelming, particularly for those on a budget. But we have camped here to lend a hand.
In this post, we have compiled a review of the best budget LPVO scopes available on the market today. If you are a budget buyer or a hunting/shooting beginner, these scopes are worth your consideration. Without much ado, let’s jump right in.
1) Athlon Optics 1-4 x 24 mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Ares ETR is a rear focal plane LPVO scope suitable for hunting and shooting applications. This rifle scope harbors a wide range of high-quality features that make it one of the best budget LVPO scopes.
It has an adjustable 1-4x magnification range that makes it suitable for pursuing games at close to mid ranges. It is also built with fully multi-coated optics that effectively minimize light loss through reflection. This amplifies the volume of light transmitted giving you bright and detailed image views.
The scope is built to offer unmatched durability. It has a 30mm body tube that is heat treated to maximize strength. Further, the tube is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which provides the strength and durability to withstand the toughest terrain.
Another highlight of this scope is the lightweight design. With a mere weight of 18oz only, it disperses recoil effectively, while being easy to carry in the field. Besides, it offers generous eye relief to ensure quick target acquisition.
The scope is also nitrogen filled to drive out moisture and help the fog-proof and waterproof functions that are important for all-weather use.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Water, fog and shockproof
- 30mm main tube
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Heat-treated 1-piece tube
- An illuminated second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Reticle illumination
- Bright and clear glass
Cons
- The reticle illumination is not that bright
2) Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Crossfire II 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope offers the best balance between value and performance. It is built to exceed the performance of similarly priced scopes and make you a better hunter/shooter.
This compact LPVO scope is built to last. It has a single-piece 30mm main tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and coated with an anodized finish. It is also shockproof to take in abuse and fully waterproof and fogproof for use in any weather.
The scope boasts exceptionally clear optics which are fully multi-coated to provide the brightest and clearest image views even in low-light settings. For quick and easy reticle focusing, it comes with a fast-focus eyepiece that also aids in rapid target acquisition.
The scope also comes with an illuminated reticle which guarantees visibility in low light settings and capped reset turrets to protect extra protection in the field and prevent accidental adjustment.
Features
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Hard anodized finish
- Capped reset turrets
- 30mm single-piece main tube
- Second focal plane V-Brite reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Clear lens
- Sturdy construction
- Decent eye relief
- Reticle illumination
Cons
- The parallax is not adjustable
3) Truglo Omnia 1-6x24mm MSR Rifle Scope
If you are looking for a top-quality LPVO scope to add to your modern shooting rifle, this is your ideal option. It excels at close-range speed shooting and offers reliable performance for medium and long-range applications.
To ensure that the images generated are clear, bright and rich in contrast, this scope has multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission. It also features an illuminated reticle for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions and generous eye relief for comfortable observation.
Regarding construction, this 30mm tube scope has a hard-coat anodized finish that is scratch-proof, rust-proof, and anti-reflective. It is also water-resistant, shock resistant and nitrogen-filled to keep the lenses fog-free.
Features
- Locking turrets
- Illuminated glass-etched reticle
- Hard coat anodized finish
- Water-resistant and nitrogen-filled
- 1/2-MOA target turrets
- Multi-coated lenses
- Leaf-spring turrets control
Pros
- Generous eye relief at low-power
- Quick to mount
- Lightweight and easy to adjust
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
4) Primary Arms 1-6 x 24 mm SFP Rifle Scope
The next budget LPVO scope recommendation on our list is the Primary Arms 1-6 x 24 mm SFP Rifle Scope. It has a variable 1-6x magnification power which makes it a perfect choice for close and medium-range hunting.
This rifle scope is equipped with an Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle which provides bullet drop compensation and range estimation, in addition to moving target leads and wind holds. It also provides stunning accuracy up to 300 yards in any situation.
Furthermore, the scope is built to be usable in any environment. It is waterproof and nitrogen-filled so the lenses are fog resistant even when you use it in areas with a big temperature difference. Besides that, it has a 30mm body tube that is crafted from 6063 aluminum to optimize durability and longevity.
Other noteworthy features included are fully multi-coated optics, red partial reticle illumination, capped turrets and a fast-focus eyepiece.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 30mm main tube
- Capped, low profile finger adjustable turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Robust 6063-aluminum construction
Pros
- Illuminated reticle
- Great glass quality
- Excellent fit and finish
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Short eye relief
5) Atibal Striker 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope
As one of the best budget LPVO scopes, the Atibal Striker 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope will advance your target acquisition speed in the field and offer stunning accuracy even in not-so-ideal shooting conditions.
The scope is built with fully multi-coated lenses to ensure great optical clarity, even in poor light settings. To complement this stunning accuracy, the scope features an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. With all these brightness levels at your disposal, you will be able to fine-tune the reticle to match the target background and lighting condition.
The scope is built to last long. It is constructed from aircraft-quality aluminum which is tough enough to withstand rigorous abuse. Further, this sighting system is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof for full reliability in any environment.
It also has tactical target turrets for windage and elevation adjustment and lightweight construction that makes it portable and easy to use.
Features
- An illuminated second focal plane reticle
- Tactical target turrets for windage and elevation adjustment
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 4 MOA center dot with BDC calibrated for .308 or 5.56
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- 11 brightness settings
- Long eye relief
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor daylight illumination
6) Bushnell Prime 1-4×32 Rifle Scope
Next up is the Bushnell Prime 1-4×32 Rifle Scope. This compact, lightweight and versatile optic is ideal for close and mid-range applications. On the lowest 1x zoom power, the scope performs like a reflex sight but when you power up the optical power, you will be able to make accurate shots at medium ranges.
The optical performance of this scope is admirable. It boasts broadband anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics which maximize light transmission for improved contrast and edge-to-edge clarity. The scope also has proprietary EXO barrier external lens coating that repels water, fog, dust and oil stains to ensure that the views are crisp and clear.
The reticle on this scope is put on the second focal plane so it stays true at every zoom setting. The scope also has a long 4” eye relief for ease of use and a wide exit pupil that makes target acquisition simple and quick.
Best of all, it has a durable aluminum alloy body that is nitrogen-filled and O-rings sealed to be fully fogproof and waterproof respectively.
Features
- Second focal plane Multi-X reticle
- Versatile 4:1 zoom range
- Fully multi-coated optics
- EXO barrier lens coating
- Capped finger-adjustable turrets
- Aluminum alloy chassis
- 100 MOA windage and elevation range
- 1-inch single-piece main tube
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Manageable weight
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- Long eyepiece
7) Burris Fullfield TAC30 1-4×24 SFP Rifle Scope
When hunting, the Burris Fullfield TAC30 rifle scope gives you the upper hand to hunt game successfully. It has a Ballistic CQ 5.56 reticle to help you dominate short to medium-range targets and help you place the shot accurately. It is also illuminated for visibility in low-light settings.
The scope is built to be usable in any weather condition. The tube is a nitrogen field to drive out moisture and prevent internal fogging in the rain and cold. In terms of construction, it has a durable, stress-free, solid 1-piece outer tube that is rigid enough to stand up to shock and vibrations from heavy recoiling calibers.
More importantly, this optic boasts a double internal spring-tension system that helps the scope hold zero through shock and recoil. It also has index-matched, Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses which yield bright, clear and sharp image views in any lighting condition.
Features
- Fast-action Ballistic CQ reticle
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- A solid 1-piece outer tube
- Matte finish
- 1-4x magnification power
- Double internal spring-tension system
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- Excellent optics clarity
- Solid construction
- Comfortable eye relief
- Reticle illumination
- Lightweight
Cons
- The illumination button could be better
8) SightMark Core TX 1-4×24 AR 223 BDC Rifle Scope
Our last budget LPVO scope recommendation is the SightMark Core TX 1-4×24 AR 223 BDC Rifle Scope. When it comes to close and medium-range shooting, this scope offers stellar performance in any lighting or weather condition.
It employs a fine-etched BDC reticle with dual green and red illumination to make target acquisition quick and easy. It also comes with a throw-lever for lightning-fast, on-the-fly magnification adjustments and generous eye relief for snug observation, with or without eyewear.
When it comes to construction, the body of the scope is made from aircraft-grade aluminum which makes it virtually indestructible. For added protection, it has a hard anodized, matte black finish that is scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant. It also boasts weatherproof housing to ensure unimpeded use in all weather conditions.
Lastly, the optics are fully multi-coated to amplify light transfer in low-light settings and reduce the light loss that is caused by reflection and glare.
Features
- An illuminated reticle on the second focal plane
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Shock, fog and waterproof
- Exposed, pop-up locking turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Throw lever
Pros
- Red/green illuminated reticle
- Solid construction
- Clear glass
- Easy to zero
- The turrets are very easy to adjust
Further Reading
- Best Leupold AR-15 Scopes
- Red Dot Sights for 9mm Carbine
- Best Red Dot Sights for 45-70
- Hawke Scopes for Air Rifles
- Best DMR Scopes
How to Choose the Best Budget LPVO Scopes
When choosing the best budget LPVO scopes, here are some of the important factors you should take into consideration to ensure that you get a product that meets your specific needs.
Intended Usage
Firstly, consider what you intend to use the scope for. Are you looking for an LPVO for hunting, plinking, or shooting in the range? All these activities play a big role in impacting your decision.
For instance, if you are hunting, you will want a sighting system that has a high magnification of up to 8x or even 10x. This way, you will be able to find targets with ease even at long distances and get the most out of them.
Reticle Type
The next thing to consider is the reticle. Different LPVO scopes have different reticle types housed in either the first or second focal plane. The choice of getting a first or second focal plane reticle is majorly dependent on your individual preference.
The next thing to consider is the reticle style. You will have to decide whether you want to go with an MRAD/MOA reticle or a BDC reticle.
For hunting at varying ranges where estimating holdover might be a concern, it is best to get a BDC reticle. A bullet drop compensator reticle has horizontal lines that correspond to the drop different rounds will have at certain distances.
On the other hand, an MRAD or MOA reticle will give you more flexibility on range and windage. However, unlike the BDC reticle, you will have to know how much drop the round you are using has and then use the MOA or MRAD dots to compensate accordingly.
Read: Best LPVO Scopes for AR-15
Glass Quality
Glass is an important part of every scope. To have clear views of the target, the scope has to have quality glass. Going with a manufacturer that uses ED, HD or any other high-quality glass is a great start. With such a scope, you are guaranteed stunning resolution and color-accurate views.
You should also get a scope with good lens coatings to improve your performance in low-light settings. A scope with fully multi-coated/ multi-coated lenses will optimize light transfer and enhance the image brightness especially when you are hunting in low-light settings.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of scope determines its durability and reliability. Irrespective of what you intend to use the scope for, ensure that it has a solid construction. Look at things such as the quality of materials used as well as the drop and shock resistance rating.
The other thing to look at is whether the scope is weather-resistant or not. The best budget LPVO scopes are filled with inert gas and sealed with O-rings to be fully waterproof and fogproof.
Read: Best Leupold Scopes for Mini 14
Eye Relief
Another important feature to consider is eye relief. Getting a scope that has long eye relief is important to ensure that you have a comfortable glassing experience.
An optic with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief will keep your eye safe from heavy recoiling calibers and ensure snug observation with or without eyeglasses.
Is FFP or SFP Better for LPVO?
LPVO scopes are excellent optics for close and mid-range shooting applications. Like in rifle scopes, you have to choose between a first focal plane reticle and a second focal plane reticle.
The predominant reticle on scopes is SFP as it is applicable for the majority of the shooting scenarios. FFP reticles offer a long-range shooting advantage and will be witnessed in LPVO scopes with 1-8x or 1-10x.
The most attractive reticle for LPVO scopes is the second focal plane. However, your style of shooting and shooting needs will determine which type of reticle is good for you.
Read: Best 45-70 Scopes
Best Budget LPVO Scopes FAQs
Q: What Scope Magnification is Considered LPVO?
1-6x is the standard LPVO magnification. However, 1-4x, 1-8x and 1-10x options also fall in the category of LPVOs.
The most important thing is that the scope has a true 1x at the lowest zoom setting and an option to ramp up the magnification to the 4-10x range.
Q: What Range is LPVO Good For?
An LPVO scope is a great sighting system for close to medium ranges. For hunting, plinking, or target shooting, a good LPVO will help you acquire targets with ease at distances less than 500 yards.
Q: Should I Get an LPVO or Red Dot?
It depends on your needs. Red dot sights are generally non-magnified and ideal for applications where rapid target acquisition is crucial.
On the other hand, an LPVO has a variable magnification power that makes it ideal for use in varying ranges.
Conclusion
LPVO scopes are great optics suitable for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. All the scopes we have listed above offer a wide range of features that make them ideal for shooting at various ranges.
They are also well-made to last long and offer consistent reliability. Irrespective of the optic that you get, we hope that this best budget LVPO scopes buyer’s guide has helped steer you in the right direction.