For most UK shooters the best LPVO is a second focal plane 1-6x24 or 1-8x24 with a bright illuminated centre, such as the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 or the SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6x24 and 1-8x24. Move up to a 1-10x only if you really shoot past 400 m. Choose first focal plane only if you hold over at mid-range magnifications, and pay for premium glass mainly to get a cleaner 1x.
Below are our picks at each level from the SIG, Primary Arms, Burris and EOTech LPVOs we stock, with the specs checked against each maker's website, followed by the mounting and UK points most guides leave out.
Key takeaways
- 1-6x is the lightest and simplest LPVO; 1-8x adds reach; 1-10x adds more but has a smaller exit pupil and is usually heavier.
- SFP LPVOs keep a bold reticle at 1x; FFP LPVOs keep holdovers true at every power.
- SIG's TANGO-MSR scopes come with an ALPHA-MSR cantilever mount; most other LPVOs need a mount bought separately.
- The full-size 1-10x models from SIG and Primary Arms use a 34 mm tube rather than 30 mm, so check your mount size before you buy.
- In Great Britain, LPVOs are mostly used on straight-pull, bolt-action and .22 rimfire rifles, because self-loading centrefire rifles are prohibited.
What an LPVO is
An LPVO (low power variable optic) is a rifle scope that starts at 1x, so you can use it with both eyes open like a red dot, and zooms to 6x, 8x or 10x for distance. It is the most versatile single optic for a practical or gallery rifle. The full explanation, including when a dot and magnifier is the better buy, is in what is an LPVO?
1-6x, 1-8x or 1-10x?
The exit pupil (objective diameter divided by magnification) shows how forgiving and bright the image is at full power. Bigger is easier to get behind.
| Range | Exit pupil at max power | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-6x24 | 4.0 mm | Most practical and gallery rifle shooting to 300–500 m | Less magnification for identifying small targets |
| 1-8x24 | 3.0 mm | An all-rounder with more reach | Tighter eyebox at 8x, a little dimmer |
| 1-10x24 to 1-10x28 | 2.4–2.8 mm | Longer-range stages and spotting hits | Fussier at 10x; the full-size SIG and Primary Arms models use 34 mm tubes |
A 1-6x is still the best place to start. A 1-8x is worth it if you regularly shoot beyond 300 m. A 1-10x makes sense only if you need to identify or spot hits on small targets at distance.
FFP or SFP in an LPVO?
A second focal plane (SFP) reticle stays the same size, so it is bold and quick at 1x, but its holdovers are only correct at one power, usually maximum. A first focal plane (FFP) reticle scales with zoom, so holds are correct at every power, but it is very small at 1x and relies on a bright illuminated centre. Most shooters who use an LPVO at 1x or full power are best served by SFP. Full details are in FFP vs SFP explained.
Our picks
Best value: Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Gen IV
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 with the ACSS Nova reticle is a 30 mm, SFP scope with 11 illumination settings. The ACSS Aurora 5.56 Meter version puts its holds in metres, which suits UK ranges. Primary Arms does not include a mount.
Best all-rounder: SIG Sauer TANGO-MSR 1-6x24 and 1-8x24
The TANGO-MSR 1-6x24 and TANGO-MSR 1-8x24 are 30 mm SFP scopes with an illuminated MSR BDC reticle, 11 brightness settings and 1/2 MOA clicks. SIG supplies both with its one-piece ALPHA-MSR cantilever mount, which saves a separate purchase. If you want true holds at every power, the same scope comes as the TANGO-MSR 1-6x24 FFP.
Simple and bright: Burris RT-6 1-6x24
The Burris RT-6 is a 30 mm, SFP 1-6x with Burris's illuminated Ballistic 5X reticle for 5.56/.223, 11 brightness settings and 1/2 MOA clicks. The RT-6 Tactical Kit adds a FastFire 3 red dot and a P.E.P.R. mount.
Best value 1-10x: Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 and SIG TANGO-MSR 1-10x28
The SLx 1-10x28 with ACSS Griffin M10S is SFP on a 34 mm tube, with 11 daylight and 2 night vision illumination settings. The TANGO-MSR 1-10x28 is also 34 mm and SFP, and comes with the ALPHA-MSR mount. The TANGO-MSR 1-10x26 is the FFP version.
Shortest: SIG TANGO-MSR Compact
The TANGO-MSR Compact comes in 1-6x24, 1-8x24 and 1-10x24 versions. SIG lists the 1-6x and 1-10x at 8.4 in (about 213 mm) long and 751 g with its factory-fitted, pre-levelled ALPHA-MSR mount, on a 30 mm tube. It has 6 brightness settings with an off position between each.
Premium: EOTech Vudu and Primary Arms PLxC
The EOTech Vudu X 1-6x24 is a 30 mm SFP scope with a daylight-bright illuminated duplex (DP1) or ballistic (BD1) reticle. Above it, the Vudu 1-6x24 FFP (30 mm) and Vudu 1-10x28 FFP (34 mm) offer MRAD or MOA reticles, and the 1-10x is also available with EOTech's diffraction-grating Daylight Bright SR5. The Primary Arms PLxC 1-8x24 FFP is a 30 mm FFP scope with Red Dot Bright illumination.
| Model | Tube | Focal plane | Mount included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Gen IV | 30 mm | SFP | No |
| SIG TANGO-MSR 1-6x24 / 1-8x24 | 30 mm | SFP (1-6x also FFP) | Yes, ALPHA-MSR |
| Burris RT-6 1-6x24 | 30 mm | SFP | Kit version only |
| Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 | 34 mm | SFP | Check listing |
| SIG TANGO-MSR 1-10x28 / 1-10x26 | 34 mm | SFP / FFP | Yes, ALPHA-MSR |
| SIG TANGO-MSR Compact | 30 mm | SFP (1-10x also FFP) | Yes, factory-fitted |
| EOTech Vudu X 1-6x24 | 30 mm | SFP | Check listing |
| EOTech Vudu 1-6x24 / 1-10x28 | 30 mm / 34 mm | FFP | Check listing |
| Primary Arms PLxC 1-8x24 | 30 mm | FFP or SFP | Check listing |
Mounting an LPVO
An LPVO needs a one-piece cantilever mount that pushes it forward for correct eye relief and holds it at the right height. We do not stock scope rings or scope mounts, only red dot mounts, so for any LPVO that does not come with one you will need to buy a 30 mm or 34 mm cantilever mount elsewhere. SIG's TANGO-MSR scopes avoid this by including the ALPHA-MSR, which SIG describes on the FFP 1-6x as a 1.535 in mount. Our guide to mount height and eye relief explains how to choose the height.
UK note
In England, Wales and Scotland, self-loading and pump-action rifles are prohibited unless chambered for .22 rimfire (Firearms Act 1968, s.5(1)(ab)). That is why UK LPVOs usually go on straight-pull ARs, bolt-actions and .22 rimfire semi-autos rather than self-loading centrefire rifles. Northern Ireland has its own law, the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. Confirm what your certificate covers with your firearms licensing department. The optic itself is not among the component parts the Act treats as a firearm (s.57). For straight-pull setups, read best optics for a straight-pull AR.
Expert tip
Judge an LPVO at 1x first, both eyes open, swinging across a bright window. If the edges smear or you have to hunt for the centre dot, the scope will be slow at close range whatever it does at full power.
Frequently asked questions
Is an LPVO better than a red dot?
For versatility, yes: an LPVO gives you magnification when you need it. For pure close-range speed and low weight, a red dot still wins, and a dot with a flip-to-side magnifier sits in between.
What magnification LPVO is best?
1-6x for most shooters, 1-8x if you regularly shoot beyond 300 m, and 1-10x if you need to identify small targets or spot hits at distance.
Do I need an illuminated reticle?
Yes, for fast shooting at 1x. A bright illuminated centre gives you red dot speed; look for "daylight bright" wording if you shoot in sunlight.
Does an LPVO come with a mount?
SIG's TANGO-MSR scopes include the ALPHA-MSR mount, and the Burris RT-6 Tactical Kit includes a P.E.P.R. mount. Primary Arms' SLx 1-6x24 does not, so budget for a cantilever mount from a specialist.
Shop this guide
- LPVO Rifle Scopes — every 1-6x, 1-8x and 1-10x we stock.
- SIG Sauer Rifle Scopes — TANGO-MSR LPVOs with mount included.
- Primary Arms LPVO Rifle Scopes — SLx and PLxC with ACSS reticles.
- EOTech LPVO Rifle Scopes — Vudu and Vudu X.
