If you are a general-purpose shooter looking for an LPVO that delivers flawlessly for most of your shooting needs, you basically cannot do better than a 1-10x LPVO optic. The best thing about 1-10x LPVOs is that they are not only incredibly versatile but also offer significant benefits for shooters across different applications. Put it this way: except if you are a dedicated long-range shooter, there is hardly any LPVO optic that offers a better shooting experience than a 1-10x LPVO.
Let's discuss four reasons why 1-10x LPVOs absolutely rock and why they might still be the best LPVO optics of 2024.
#1. That Wide Magnification Range
When it comes to variety in magnification, 1-10x LPVOs are right at the top. They offer both the minimum and maximum magnification for an LPVO, giving you accuracy and versatility at short range, medium range, and (to an extent) long range. If you pair your 1-10x LPVO optic with a caliber like a .308 you can hit targets even up to 800+ yards.
Here is a summary of how your 1-10x performs at different ranges.
Close range (0-100 yards)
For close range, you can resort to 1x magnification, which (almost like a red dot) works great for quick target acquisition and wide situational awareness, especially if you are shooting in low light. There are competing optics that range from 2-10x or even from 3-10x, but with a 1-10x, you get accuracy at both under and over 100 yards.
Here’s a little secret: the turn-off for most shooters is not that the 1x capability of a 1-10x LPVO is useless but that having both 1x and 10x magnification on the same scope comes at an extra cost.
If you can find an affordable model for a 1-10x LPVO (which we will get to later), it is an absolute and enviable no-brainer!
Here are four reasons why you need that 1x magnification on your 1-10x LPVO
- Close-quarter shooting. You can shoot with both eyes open, especially in situations like tactical applications, where there is a lot of uncertainty.
- Having 1x magnification means you don’t have to carry around piggybacks or offset dots. Your setup is simple and portable.
- 1x magnification can give you a competitive advantage in shooting sports like 3-Gun.
Medium Range (100-400 yards)
Dial up the magnification to 4x or 6x, and you get maximum efficiency over a medium range between 100 and 400 yards. This will give you the clarity needed for precision shooting and, depending on the model, a reasonable field of view for situational awareness.
- For combat
- For hunting
For Extended Range (400+800 yards)
Depending on your firearm and the caliber you use, you can engage distant targets up to 800 yards away with a 1-10 LPVO. With .308 or 6.5 Creedmor, it is possible to hit targets beyond 600 yards consistently.
This gives you precision over such a long range, making you well-equipped for hunting, precision shooting, or close-target situations.
Addressing the 10x Question
Many people question whether 1-10x LPVOs actually offer 10x magnification. This skepticism is based on some beliefs that companies just add 10x for marketing purposes, and the LPVO optics they offer cannot consistently perform at that level of magnification.
If you have been unfortunate to have had this problem, then of course, your experience cannot be ignored, However, consider this: it is also possible that 10x magnification is really difficult to achieve, and only a few LPVO providers have the resources and technologies to produce it.
Before you get a 10x LPVO, it would be a good idea to refer to a third-party opinion, like an honest reviewer, to ensure that what you order is indeed what you get.
#2. It Gives You Unrivaled Flexibility
A 1-10x LPVO optic is perfect for a general-purpose setup because it is the ultimate "do-it-all" LPVO: it offers versatility at all levels. Whether you're clearing rooms at close range or engaging targets hundreds of yards away, the scope adapts without requiring multiple optics or adjustments.
This flexibility makes it ideal for military, law enforcement, competitive shooting, and civilian self-defense.
Turrets Matter Too!
Here’s a tip: Go for an LPVO that has locked-in turrets and a zero-stop function. These two functions will ensure that you make quick and easy adjustments while keeping your zero intact. You can achieve an incredible level of precision for an LPVO while easily making the required adjustments.
#3. They Feature Superior Reticle Technology
The technology and beauty of modern 1-10x LPVO reticles are definitely another good reason to try them out. They feature illuminated reticles that work in all lighting conditions, and the reticle design is advanced for better range estimation, holdovers, and windage adjustments.
The reticle is one of the features that make 1-10x FFP LPVOs so desirable to many shooters. First focal plane (FFP) reticles ensure that the reticle scales with magnification, and your accuracy is maintained across all levels of the zoom range. A reticle like that does wonders for your shooting experience.
#4. They are Compact and Durable
Because of all the capacities they offer, you might think that a 1-10x LPVO is heavy and cumbersome, but that is not true. First, modern LPVOs are made from hard and rugged materials like 7075 aluminum to withstand harsh conditions. Their housings are rugged and can handle all kinds of environmental stress.
- Also, let’s put this into perspective: to replace the versatility that a single 1-10x gives you, you would have to buy four separate optics for different ranges.
Using a single optic reduces the complexity of your rifle setup. You avoid the need for offset sights or additional optics, which simplifies handling and weight distribution.
Popular Scenarios Where You Absolutely Need a 1-10x LPVO
- Tactical scenarios that often need quick adaptability.
- Competitive shooting in dynamic courses.
- Hunting, especially when the range varies significantly.
- Precision rifle builds where versatility is paramount.
Recommended 1-10LPVO (With Video Review Evidence)
Having the 1-10x label is not an automatic sign that an LPVO is good. Variable magnification is the main feature, but there are several other features that matter. This combo of wide magnification range and top-tier features makes the newly launched Odin 1-10x LPVO from Gogunnr one of the best LPVOs of 2024.
The Odin 1-10x 28 is the third and most sophisticated scope in Gogunnr's line of ODIN LPVOs released earlier this year. Given its features, this scope is a steal, especially considering its price of $620.
Main Features
- The Odin offers a magnification range of 1-10x, which is convenient for short--, mid-, and long-range shooting.
- The German Schott ED lenses ensure a clear, vibrant, and crisp image and perform well in low light.
- The reticle is designed in a tree shape to ensure the information is displayed as an acute triangle, giving you a clean and uninterrupted view of the target.
- The optic's body is made of solid, high-grade 7075 aluminum. These are industry-standard materials, and they are even used in aircraft and war equipment.
- The Odin can withstand temperatures between -590C to 1490C.
- The optic is extra protected with an IP67 waterproof rating.
- It comes with Locking Turrets that keep your windage and elevation settings securely in place.
- At a total weight of 685g, this scope measures 11.7 (296 mm) in length, an appropriate size and length given the magnification range.
Check out the Video Reviews
We have decided to go with YouTube reviews, mainly because they have video evidence that allows you to observe the rifle in action. The mix of reviewers is picked not just based on how popular the review is (or how much of it we agree with) but also on how succinct and detailed the information is presented and how much video evidence there is. So, here are our top three reviews.
Operatoroveralls
Reno May
Robs Reloading
Conclusion
For a more detailed analysis of each optic, refer to some guidelines on deciding which LPVO best suits your needs. For more clarification, check out the official introduction to the Odin 1-10x 28 LPVO. Gogunnr also provides useful information on how to mount the optic and set the best zero, as well as other amazing safety tips for using your LPVO.