The common attraction with LPVOs is that they strike a perfect balance between the speed of a red dot and the precision of a traditional scope. This versatility is a big reason why they have become the go-to choice for tactical shooters, hunters, competitors, and even the military.

So, yes, an LPVO is a Jack of all trades. But what are the best uses of an LPVO? If you were to get the most out of your LPVO, what should you use it for?

Where does an LPVO truly shine?

Stick around because we are looking at practical scenarios and bringing you insights from the shooting world.

Here are the 4 best ways you can use an LPVO optic. 

1. Tactical & Defensive Shooting

LPVOs are designed, first and foremost, for tactical use. In fact, the main features of an LPVO are “curated” to match the demands of typical CQB scenarios. This explains why they are so widely used in the military and law enforcement as patrol rifles and DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) roles.

But, gone are the days when tactical shooting was limited to those in the military. 

As retired military commander Will Bentley shares, you don’t have to be enlisted, or even a veteran of the armed forces to engage in tactical shooting.

You can lawfully purchase (or lawfully borrow) the proper firearms and ammunition or tactical gear,  join a gun club (or range), and read up from the “many, many books websites, and YouTube videos showing every type of physical, mental, shooting, room clearing, etc.” 

The point is: you can build your aptitude for tactical shooting.

Another option, of course, is to pay for professional tactical training. Several companies (and individuals) would be willing to take you on and provide the professional training you need, and with the right equipment.

The world of tactical shooting opens up to you once you lay hands on an LPVO.

You Need an LPVO for Tactical Scenarios

Tactical shooting scenarios are both very demanding and extremely uncertain. In CQB, for example, targets appear at varying ranges (typically from 10 yards to 150 yards), and there is usually a lot at stake (an understatement, actually if you are in the military). 

In addition to sublime skill and catlike instinct, you need utmost situational awareness, and versatility to engage different (often) moving targets.

An LPVO optic gives you 1x magnification for quick reaction at close range (under 100 yards), while still allowing precision at mid-range distances (200-600 yards).

• At 1x your LPVO acts like a red dot sight: you can shoot with both eyes (situational awareness) open and fast target acquisition is optimized.
• At Higher magnification (4x-10x) an LPVO provides the precision needed for engaging threats at a distance.

You can Build the perfect tactical setup

For tactical use, pair your LPVO with an AR-15.

A setup of a 1-6x28 LPVO or 1-8x24 LPVO with an AR-15 would make a perfect match for your LPVO in tactical scenarios.

2. Hunting (Small & Medium Game)

Strictly speaking, an LPVO is not a hunting optic, at least not as much as a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44. However, if you are hunting in dense woods or an open field, or engaged in any kind of medium to big-game hunting, a good-quality LPVO does a decent job. 

The testimony of hunters proves that LPVOs are generally quite good for hunting, especially if you are not going for overly long-range shots.

• If you are like an Eastern hunter who rarely takes shots over 150 yards, an LPVO is as good as any other hunting scope.
• Also, if you are just foraging into hunting as a part-time shooting hobby, you’re not ready to hunt elk just yet. So, no need to splash on the dedicated long-range shooting scopes: your LPVO will serve you well enough.

Admittedly, there is debate about SFP vs FFP LPVOs for hunting, but the decision is mostly personal preference. 

The overall consensus is…both will get the job done.

The 1x setting helps with quick target acquisition in a brush, while higher magnification allows for longer shots.

• While moving through dense brush, 1x magnification enables you to quickly scan the area, keeping your situational awareness.
• For an ethical, well-placed shot, you can increase magnification for increased accuracy.

So, if you already have your LPVO, consider a hunting trip near you. Or check out some exciting PA hunting seasons coming up this year.

If you are considering an LPVO, think about this: with one optic, both the tactical world and hunting world are about to open up to you!

That is an exciting prospect

Popular LPVO Pairing for Hunting

For a versatile and effective hunting setup, you can easily pair your LPVO with an AR-10 or a .308 hunting rifle

For this, consider the aforementioned 1-6x28  Odin LPVO, or this 1-10x24 LPVO from Gogunnr

Both LPVOs come with crystal clear German Schott Glass. High-quality glass like ED glass permits your scope to draw in more light, enabling you to shoot further and longer, even in low-light situations.

For a hunting trip, a scope with good glass gives you a bit of an extra boost.

3. Recreational Plinking & Range Shooting

An LPVO has everything you need for recreational shooting. If you follow conversations on the best shooting range optics, LPVOs rank right up there, along with Red dots with Magnifiers.

Again, which is better is a matter of personal preference.

Let’s say you are at the range, shooting a mix of paper targets at 25 yards and steel plates at 100 yards. The LPVO lets you:

• Shoot quickly and intuitively at close range (1x).
• Zoom in and challenge yourself with accuracy drills at longer distances (4x+).

Popular LPVO Pairing or Recreational Shooting

Pair your1-6X LPVO with a  Ruger 10/22 or M&P 15-22 (.22 LR rifles)

4. Competitive Shooting (3-Gun, PRS, USPSA Rifle)

LPVOs are the perfect match for AR rifles, which are easily the most commonly used rifles in 3-gun competitions. 

Typically, you’ll see high capacity 9mm pistols like Glocks or CZ 75’s, semi-auto rifles like an AR-15, and a semi-auto shotgun like the Benelli M2. But, except in heavy metal (which is rare anyway), AR-15s are easily the most popular rifle.

Here’s the deal,  many people already use their AR-15 with LPVOs.

Now, you can always read up more on why the setup of an AR-15 with LPVO is great, but here’s the summary in one word: versatility.

In three-gun competitions, the shooter is always moving, always aiming, always shooting.

To win, the shooter has to transition between close and mid-range targets. This means constant magnification adjustments for varying distances. 

Like the AR-15, an LPVO is available, versatile, and easy to use, which is why they match perfectly. 

Using an LPVO with AR-15 for 3-gun competition means:

• No need to swap optics between close and long stages.
• The quick magnification adjustments mid-stage will give a competitive edge.

Popular Pairing for Competitive Shooting

If competing with AN AR-15 you can pair it with a 1-6x24 or 1-8x24 LPVO (with a throw lever for rapid adjustments).

And now, the world of competitive shooting just opened up to you as well!

Key Benefits of Using LPVOs

An LPVO Absolutely Belongs in Your Arsenal

Whether you are plinking at the range, preparing for tactical scenarios, hunting in thick brush, or competing in high-paced matches—LPVOs give you flexibility without compromise.

They’re one of the few optics that can seamlessly move from close-quarters engagements to precision shots at a distance, all in a single package.

Check out Odin LPVO scopes, and also access more useful tips from us on what is Height over Bore and our contribution to the never-ending red dots vs LPVO debate.