Best Budget LPVO for AR15
If you want to equip your AR-15 rifle with a versatile optic that doesn’t break the blank, you have stumbled upon the right place. LPVO scopes are hard to beat when it comes to versatility and functionality, and our article sheds light on the best budget LPVO for AR15 rifles.
In recent years, the optics market has seen a significant advancement in technology. As a result, optics have become more and more affordable, and LPVOs have not been left behind. Today, it is much easier to find a quality LPVO that has all the features for your specific hunting or shooting needs that doesn’t cost a fortune.
What is an LPVO?
LPVOs are low power variable optics with a magnification from 1x to not more than 10x. With this magnification range that starts from 1x, they offer the perfect balance between rapid target acquisition found in red dot sights and the performance of traditional rifle scopes at medium and long ranges.
Why an LPVO for AR-15
LPVO scopes offer excellent performance in the field no matter the lighting or weather conditions. Due to their low power variable magnification, they enable easy target acquisition at close to medium ranges where the AR-15 excels at.
Getting an LPVO for AR-15 will not just boost your speed of target acquisition, but also hone your shooting skills in all situations. Furthermore, LPVOs are made with ease of use in mind, and therefore ideal for hunters and shooters of all levels. These optics are also versatile so you can use them for a wide range of shooting applications and on other AR platforms not just the AR-15.
Best Budget LPVO for AR-15
With so many LPVOs available on the market, here is our selection of the best budget models ideal for AR-15. Let’s take a look.
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SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR LPVO 1-6x24mm is by far the best budget LPVO for AR15. It is tailored to AR15 rifles where it provides quick target engagement and acquisition at close and medium distances.
The scope has a variable 1-6x magnification built in a rear focal plane MSR BDC6 reticle. The reticle stays the same across the entire zoom range and is LED illuminated to ensure confident aiming in low light.
Furthermore, the scope boasts 100 MOA adjustment range for maximum total travel. In terms of construction, it is constructed in a 30mm tube which enhances strength and rigidity. The tube is hard anodized against scratches and IPX-7 waterproofed to outlast elements.
Another outstanding thing about this LPVO is optical features. It is built with low dispersion glass that works in tandem with the Spectracoat lens coatings to optimize performance in low light and enhance image clarity. Other that that, the scope has a generous eye relief which makes it snug to shoot with from any angle, with or without eye glasses.
Features
- Hardcoat anodized finish
- Spectracoat lens coating
- IPX-7 water resistance level
- 100 MOA adjustment range
- 1-6x total magnification
- 11 brightness settings
- Second focal plane reticle
- Low dispersion glass
- Integrated thread in throw lever
- Fog proof and shock proof
Pros
- Plenty of eye relief
- Excellent value
- Good glass
- Mount included
- Easy to mount and use
Cons
- Reticle
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Monstrum G3 1-6×24 First Focal Plane Rifle Scope
Monstrum G3 1-6×24 Rifle Scope is a reliable first focal plane LPVO available at a price that is hard to pass. It is engineered with the best quality features to help fine tune your shooting precision in the range or hunting fields.
The functionally designed FFP reticle enables fast range estimation and holdover corrections for accurate shooting. It is etched in glass for permanency and illuminated to give you a more precise aiming point in low light.
Furthermore, the scope is built with brass internals for windage, elevation and magnification. This enables smooth and controlled adjustments all through. Besides that, the scope has 1/2 MOA windage and elevation adjustment knobs with resettable zeros for added convenience.
Regarding construction, this rifle scope has a 30mm main tube made from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum. The tube is sealed and charged to provide a lifetime of water and fog protection. Also included is a set of spring loaded flip-up lens covers for protecting the lenses from scratches and dirt.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Brass internals for windage and elevation
- 1/2 MOA impact point correction
- Adjustable 1-6x magnification
- Etched first focal plane reticle
- Waterproof and nitrogen charged
- Spring-loaded flip-up lens covers
- Anodized outer finish
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Good eye relief
- Clear glass
- Great reticle illumination
Cons
- Poor low light visibility
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Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope
Primary Arms makes excellent value optics that deliver superb performance and unmatched versatility. This is clear with the SLx 1-6x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope that is a must have for every avid hunter and shooter out there.
The scope features an adjustable 1-6x magnification for close and medium range use. It maintains a significantly spacious depth of field across the whole zoom for easy target finding. Besides, it is outfitted with an advanced combined sighting system reticle which provides bullet drop compensation and wind holds in addition to range estimation and moving target leads.
Not only is the reticle of this rifle scope outstanding but also optical features. It has fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee superior optical clarity in all light settings. Other than that, the scope boasts a single-piece 6063 aluminum body that is hard anodized against scratches and corrosion.
Above all, the SLx 1-6x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope is waterproof, shock proof and fog resistant to be operable in all environments.
Features
- SFP ACSS reticle
- 11 brightness settings
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Hard anodized matte finish
- 6063 aluminum construction
- LED reticle illumination
- Waterproof, fog resistant and shock proof
- 1-6x total magnification
- 30mm single-piece main tube
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Holds zero well
- Excellent, durable finish
- Superb glass quality
Cons
- Short eye relief at max power
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Riton Optics X3 Tactix 1-8×24 Rifle Scope
Fourth in our list of the best budget LPVO for AR15 is Riton Optics 2022 Series X3 Tactix 1-8×24 Rifle Scope. This is a tactical rifle scope with all the features and adjustments you need to make your shooting expeditions more competitive and successful.
The variable 1-8x magnification makes the scope suitable for close to long ranges. It maintains a wide field of view for easy target acquisition at close ranges, and rapid target engagement at longer distances. Over and above that, the scope is outfitted with a removable throw lever for easy magnification adjustment.
Another thing that makes the scope stand out is solid construction. It is built in a 30mm tube to provide unmatched strength and durability. Furthermore, the tube is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that is durable yet lightweight.
To complement the robust make, the scope also has dependable waterproof and fog proof protection for all weather use. Furthermore, it features HD glass elements and fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee superb image brightness and clarity.
Features
- Broad 180 MOA adjustment range
- 1-8x adjustable magnification
- Type III hard coat anodized finish
- LED reticle illumination
- 30mm single-piece tube
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane OT reticle
- HD glass elements
- Integrated removable throw lever
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Excellent craftmanship
- Clear glass
- Illuminated reticle
Cons
- Narrow objective lens
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Crimson Trace Hardline Pro LPVO MIL 1-10×28 34mm Tube
Crimson Trace Hardline Pro MIL 1-10×28 LPVO offers the ultimate balance between value and performance. It is built for everyone from avid hunters to tactical professionals and backyard plinkers.
With the adjustable 1-10x magnification, the scope gives you the flexibility to take shots at close to long ranges. The reticle is calibrated to provide a clear point of aim in all settings and perform with multiple calibers amongst multiple different platforms.
Furthermore, this LPVO is made to nearly indestructible. It features a 34mm tube made from aerospace grade aluminum. The tube is hard anodized against scratches for extra protection in the field. Additionally, it is waterproof according to IPX7 protocol for unimpeded field use.
More importantly, the Crimson Trace Hardline Pro LPVO MIL 1-10×28 has fully multi-coated lenses for exceptional light transmission. It is also built light and with a generous eye relief for comfortable shooting with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Second focal plane glass-etched reticle
- Aerospace aluminum body
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 34mm tube diameter
- Variable 1-10x magnification
- Anodized finish
- LED illumination type
- Integrated throw lever
Pros
- Reasonably lightweight
- Goode eye relief
- Large field of view
- Crisp clear glass
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Bushnell 1-6×24 Trophy Quick Acquisition Rifle Scope
Another best budget LPVO for AR-15 in our list is the Bushnell 1-6×24 Trophy Quick Acquisition Rifle Scope. It is specially designed for AR platforms and is perfect for hunting and shooting in the range.
The scope has an illuminated dot drop reticle put on the rear focal plane. The illumination is adjustable into 6 different settings for optimal aiming in low light. Other than that, the scope has capped turrets to protect your windage and elevation settings during use.
Optically, the scope uses enhanced optical glass elements for enhanced contrast and clarity. It also features fully multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission in low light and provide clear sight pictures rich in clarity.
To top it all off, the Bushnell 1-6×24 Trophy Quick Acquisition Rifle Scope has a lightweight aircraft grade aluminum body that is IPX-7 waterproof rated for all weather use.
Features
- Capped turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- IPX7 waterproof construction
- 1-6x magnification range
- One-piece 30mm main tube
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
Pros
- Crisp glass
- Lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Quality construction
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Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm 30mm Rifle Scope. Mounting this LPVO on your AR15 will improve your precision in all hunting grounds and make every hunting expedition more competitive.
The selling point of this rifle scope is durability. It is made with aircraft grade aluminum for optimal strength and rigidity. Furthermore, the quality construction coupled with the waterproof, fog proof and shockproof design keeps the scope ready for anything nature will throw at it.
Another impressive thing about this LPVO is optical performance. It has an advanced optical system that comprises XD lens elements and fully multi-coated lenses. The two features guarantee superior optical brightness and clarity from sunrise till sunset.
The other noteworthy features this LPVO is built with include LED reticle illumination, 140 MOA adjustment range and a fast focus eyepiece.
Features
- Glass-etched second focal plane reticle
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- XD lens elements
- LED reticle illumination
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 30mm tube diameter
- Aircraft grade aluminum housing
- Variable 1x to 6x magnification
Pros
- Generous and consistent eye relief
- Relatively lightweight
- Easy to install
- Crystal clear views
- Extremely versatile
Cons
- The battery dies quickly
You may also like: Best LPVO for Coyote Hunting
Best Budget LPVO for AR15 Buyers Guide
The following are the things to consider when looking to buy an LPVO for AR-15
Build Quality
First and foremost, consider the build quality of the scope. Even if you are on a budget, you should get a scope that is made with hard-wearing materials that guarantee durability. Moreover, the best budget LPVO for AR15 should have dependable waterproof, fog proof and shock proof protection.
Picture Quality
The picture quality a scope yields can make a huge difference in the hunting field or shooting range. Go for a scope that is built with high-end glass elements. Such scopes yield spectacular sight pictures rich in color. On top of that, it is wise to get a scope with premium lens coatings for better low light visibility.
Reticle Type
Next, consider the reticle. There are so many types of reticles available on the market. A tip is to consider the primary activity you will be using the scope for and get a reticle that best fits that activity. We also recommend that you get an illuminated reticle if you will be using the scope in low light settings.
Weight
Last but not least, consider weight, the best budget LPVO for AR15 has a lightweight construction of less than 2lbs. This guarantees that it will not add any extra weight on the rifle. Lightweight scopes are also easy to shoot with and more convenient to carry in the field.
FAQs
- Do special forces use LPVOs?
Yes, they do. LPVOs are versatile sighting instruments used in various fields including law enforcement and military applications.
- What do numbers in LPVO represent?
The magnification range and size of the objective lens respectively. So, in a 1-6×24 LPVO, 1-6x is the adjustable magnification and 24 is the diameter of the objective lens.
Final Words
Low power variable optics make a great complement to most rifle platforms and AR15 rifles are not any different. With the right model at hand, you will improve your shooting precision in the fields and make full use of your rifle. Hopefully, this article has helped you find a model to complement your rifle without costing a fortune.