If you are like most average shooters, you probably cannot afford to spend $3,500 on the Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25x56. The good news is that you do not have to.  There are several rifle scopes within your grasp that will serve all your shooting needs and perform exceptionally on a consistent basis. Today, we are reviewing the top 5 LPVOS under $500, rated on the balance between performance, durability, and price. In other words, these are all scopes you won’t believe are under $500.

Without further ado, let’s go into our top picks, starting from number five!

1.The Sig Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x24 ($300-$450)

The Tango-MSR is the most budget-friendly model in Sig Sauer's TANGO-MSR riflescope line. The big promise with these LPVOs is that they are designed with special features for a variety of shooting applications, such as tactical, competitive, and hunting scenarios.

With the following features, this scope definitely had to make the list. Take note of the features with an asterisk (*) beside them. 

Main Features 

Feature	Specification
Magnification	1-6x
Reticle	MSR FFP BDC6 (illuminated), optimized for NATO rounds.
Optical Quality	Good enough.*
FOV	19.6-124.8ft
Material and weight	Aluminum Alloy/ 18.5 Oz*
Zero Stop	Available: LockDown Zero System*
Eye Relief	3.74-3.94 inches
Lifetime warranty	Unclear

Standout Features

• The LockDown Zero System used in this model gives it a special edge. The turret not only stops at zero, it locks at zero. In other words, this system is a stop-locking turret that allows a rapid return to Zero.
• It comes with a throw lever for fast magnification changes.
• It includes a mount in many packages, which can be extra helpful.

Why is it in 5th Place? (Mainly According to User Reviews)

• At 18.5 ounces, it is slightly heavier compared to other 1-6x scopes, many of which are higher on this list.
• Though the Chinese glass used on the lenses is good enough, there are models within this price range with superior glass lenses. Many of them are on this list as well…higher.
• The BDC6 reticle is optimized for 5.56/.308 NATO rounds, and it works well, but it’s relatively simple compared to more advanced reticles used in other scopes on this list.
• The eye relief can sometimes be sensitive, especially at higher magnifications.

All in all, users find this model satisfactory and good enough at this price range. It has all the baseline features you would expect of a good LPVO.  It may even be the perfect model for you if you don’t mind the little bit of extra weight, and the LockDown Zero System can be really convenient.

2.Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 (ACSS Reticle) ($300–$400)

The SLx 1-6x24 is meant to be an upgrade to Primary’s flagship Gen II 1-6x24. The promise from Primary is that noticeable improvements have been made with regard to the scope length, weight, MOA adjustability and overall quality.

Let's take a look at the main features of this model.

Main Features

Feature	Specification
Magnification	1-6x
Reticle	ACSS Standard or ACSS Predator reticle, offering BDC and wind holds.*
Optical Quality	Clear glass, illuminated reticle, and fast target acquisition at 1x.
FOV	19.30-110.00ft
Material and weight	6063 aluminum/16.9 Oz*
Zero Stop	Unclear
Eye Relief	3.3-3.5 inches
Lifetime warranty	Unclear

Standout Features

• The ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) reticle is one of this optic’s standout features. It works flawlessly for quick target acquisition and precise shots at various ranges.
• It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, making it rugged and durable. It’s also shockproof, waterproof, and fog-resistant.

Why it is In 4th Place

• There have been some concerns raised about optical clarity on this scope.  Some reviewers report minor distortion or blurriness at the edges, particularly at the higher magnifications.
• Another general complaint is that the illuminated reticle can be difficult to see in very bright daylight, even at the highest brightness settings.
• The turrets are capped and designed for basic use, meaning they aren’t intended for frequent dialing or making precision adjustments.
• They also lack tactile and audible feedback, making them less ideal for precision shooting where exact adjustments are necessary.

Verdict

It is fair to say the outstanding feature of this scope (the ACSS Advanced Combined Sighting System) would be of greater appeal to a wide variety of shooters than the main feature of the previous model. 

The difference, however, is marginal, considering that it still suffers from optical clarity issues, especially when longer ranges are concerned. The SLx 1-6x24 takes fourth place. 

3.Atibal XP8 1-8x24 ($400–$500)

Now, it is time to review the first and only scope on this list with up to 8x magnification. The Atibal XP is meant to be one of the most versatile 1x variable scopes in the market, and while it does live up to this expectation, it only makes it to third place on this list. 

Let's start with a review of some of its main features.

Main Features

Feature	Specification
Magnification	1-8x*
Reticle	Illuminated BDC reticle. (SFP)
Optical Quality	Acceptable: fully multi-coated lens.
FOV	12.45-105 ft
Material and weight	6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum /17.4 Oz.
Zero Stop	Available
Eye Relief	4 inches
Lifetime warranty	No

Standout Feature(s)

The standout feature of the Atibal XP 1-8x is the 8x magnification, which is rare in a reticle within this price range.

Why is it Third Place?

• Like with the previous two models, shooters report observing light image distortion and edge blurriness, especially at higher magnifications.
• Another common criticism is that the reticle illumination can sometimes not be bright enough for use in very bright daylight conditions.
• While not the heaviest on this list, the XP8 falls on the heavier side at 17.4 ounces.
• Some shooters find the capped turrets rather basic, with no tactile feedback, limiting precision adjustments.
• The reticle design also lacks advanced features like BDC or detailed windage holds found in similar models on the list.

Verdict

While 8x magnification definitely gives it an edge over the previous models, the fact that it does not significantly improve on the setbacks of the models before it means that the XP8 1-8x24 cannot go higher. It takes 3rd place.

4. Odin 1-6x28 FFP LPVO $369

This offer from Gogunnr is the first model in its line of Odin scopes. Just recently released in 2024, the ODIN 1-6x28 is the newest model on this list. Already, the company is receiving much praise for its high-quality scopes, innovative design, and affordable pricing policy. 

To assess if the difference in pricing is justified, let's explore some of its major features.

Feature	Specification
Magnification	1-6x 28*
Reticle	Tree Reticle
Optical Quality	Excellent (German Schott Glass)*
FOV
Material and weight	7075 Aluminum Alloy/*
Zero Stop	Available
Eye Relief	3.74 inches

Standout Features

• First and foremost, the German Schott glass reticles provide a clean and crisp image, making it instantly better than most of the scopes on the list.
• The most obvious advantage of the Odin and the others (including the first) is that it is much more affordable at $368. Gogunnr, being a new brand, arguably has the best pricing policy of all on this list. 
• Also, at 28 inches, its objective lens diameter is bigger and wider than that of any other model on the list. That means enhanced light transmission and, therefore, a brighter and clearer sight picture, especially in low-light conditions.
• The zero-stop feature is solid and reliable.

Why is it Second?

Gunnr is a newer or less recognized brand compared to some other established names in the market. This can be a turn-off. Here’s a more detailed review.

Verdict

What sets Odin apart from the other models is that it performs better in the one key area where previous models struggle: optical clarity, The Schott glass gives a big, clear image even at higher magnifications. 

5. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 ($400-$450)

At the top of the list is no other scope but the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24. This scope is known for its balance of features, ensuring durability and affordability. Another perk is that it is backed by Vortex's exceptional customer support and warranty.

Main Features

Feature	Specification
Magnification	1-6x
Reticle	BDC-3 reticle (illuminated), with bullet drop compensation.
Optical Quality	Excellent (Excellent ED glass)*
FOV
Material and weight	Aircraft-grade aluminum construction*
Zero Stop	Available
Eye Relief	17.6 inches

Summary of Standout Features

• 11 brightness settings for the illuminated reticle.
• Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle, maintaining constant size.
• Capped turrets for windage and elevation protection.
• Fully multi-coated lenses for better light transmission.
• Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
• Wide field of view at 1x magnification. 

Summary of Best Picks

• Best Overall for Value: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 offers excellent quality, durability, and a lifetime warranty, making it a top choice.
• Best for Reticle: The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24, with its ACSS reticle, is outstanding for shooters who want built-in BDC and wind holds.
• Best Budget Option: The Odin 1-6x 28 offers great performance for the price, perfect for those on a tighter budget.
• All these LPVOs provide great performance for under $500 and would serve well in a variety of shooting disciplines, from tactical and competition to hunting and general range use. 

Check out Gogunnr Odin LPVOs This End of Year!

Gunnr’s Odin LPVO Scopes are the newly released line of scopes from GUNNR, a company that is quickly gaining ground with its high-quality optics that offer you the perfect blend of innovation and reliability at a price that won't break the bank.

• With Odin scopes, you experience the superior clarity of German Schott ED Glass, ensuring exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness for every shot.
• The first focal plane (FFP) reticle provides fast, accurate distance estimation at any magnification, adapting seamlessly to changing light conditions with six brightness settings. 
• These optics are Constructed from durable 7075 aluminum alloy; this scope is IP67-rated for dust and waterproof performance, guaranteeing dependability in any environment. 
• With the Gunnr Odin, you're equipped with a versatile tool designed to enhance your shooting experience and leave you wondering how you ever aimed without it.

Special Offer!

This Black Friday 2024, Gogunnr is offering a special deal on the Odin 1-6x, which will make life a lot more exciting for you. If you purchase the Odin 1-6x or any other Odin LPVO, your optic will come with a free  Sleipnir mount and a Runes box from Gogunnr!

Apart from being an amazing mount, this Sleipnir scope mount is designed to work perfectly with your optic. It is easy to mount and secure. The Runes box is solid on the exterior and customizable on the inside: it can contain all of your gear and accessories as well.

Don't forget to check out other valuable information from Gogunnr, including tips on how to mount your optic and keep it safe during the coming winter months.