High Power Variable Optics (HPVOs) are some of the most powerful and precise rifle scopes on the market today, but compared to other kinds of variable scopes (like LPVOs and MPVOs), they are significantly less popular.

What most people know about HPVOs is that they offer shooters the ability to zoom in at high magnification levels (usually 5x to 25x or more), and they are ideal for long-range targeting, precision shooting, and some tactical applications. 

But who actually uses HPVOs? Would an HPVO enhance your shooting experience in any reasonable way? And should you consider getting one?

HPVOs aren’t just for snipers and competition shooters. They serve a wide audience, from hunters and hobbyists to law enforcement and elite military roles.

1. Long-Range Shooters Use HPVOs

All long-range shooters are good shooters, but not every good shooter is a long-range shooter. To be a long-range shooter, you must first be skilled at precision shooting,  have a solid understanding of ballistics, and have an optic that can deliver a crystal-clear image at extreme distances.

That last part is where HPVOs shine, and it explains why long-range shooters choose HPVOs.

There is some debate as to what is considered long-range shooting, but long-range shooters engage targets at distances of 600 yards and beyond.

 In competitive shooting, some even consider 1,000+ yards to be the benchmark of true long-range shooting. That is a remarkable shooting distance for most shooters, who only shoot at a distance of about 100 yards.

HPVOs reach up to 25x magnification, and a shooting distance of over 1,000 yards. That is the exact range of magnification that allows long-range shooters to identify targets, read mirage (heat distortion), and calculate wind and elevation holds using reticle markings.

For long-range shooters, an HPVO like the HEIMDALL 6-24x50 HPVO Rifle Scope, with magnification 6-24x, German Schott glass optics, and a shooting distance of over 1,000 yards, is perfect for:

• Hitting steel targets at 1,000+ yards
• Zeroing rifles with tight shot groups
• Training for PRS competitions
• Improving their understanding of external ballistics

2. Big Game Hunters use HPVOs

Big game hunters are a different breed from regular hunters who hunt smaller game or birds in dense woods. Big game hunters pursue large animals like elk, moose, caribou, and bear, typically in vast, open terrain like Colorado, Nebraska, and Idaho.

Unlike smaller-game hunters who might shoot at 100 yards or less, big game hunters need to make accurate shots at 300 to 600 yards on a regular basis. 

Here are the 3 main reasons why HPVOs are famous among hunters:

• HPVOs have high magnification, which helps identify the game, even at range
• HPVOs have advanced reticles that assist with range estimation and bullet drop
• Unlike parallax in LPVOs, which is often not adjustable, HPVOs allow for parallax adjustment features that help the shooter improve accuracy at long range

The clarity, zoom power, and durability of HPVOs make them a top choice for serious big game hunters.

If you are looking to have an unforgettable experience during the upcoming Idaho big game season, or other big game seasons in Nebraska and Colorado. 

3. How Tactical and Military Units Use HPVOs

Within military and law enforcement settings, HPVOs are most commonly used by snipers and designated marksmen. Take note that a sniper is different from a designated marksman.

A sniper engages high-value targets from a concealed position, and they rely on stealth, camouflage, and advanced marksmanship. 

A designated marksman (DM), on the other hand, is embedded within a squad and provides precision fire support from medium to long range.

Is an HPVO a Sniper Scope?

Sniper scopes typically provide usable magnification out to 1,000 to 1,500 yards or more, depending on atmospheric conditions and the shooter's skill. HPVOs fall within this range and are often used for shots well beyond 1,000 yards.

Moreover, a sniper scope must be a high-quality optical sight that provides clear images at long distances, equipped with features like high magnification, first focal plane reticles, parallax adjustment, and tactical turrets. HPVOs meet these criteria, making them ideal sniper scopes.

Here’s how you can use the HEIMDALL as a sniper scope

• It offers 6- 24x magnification to positively ID targets at long range
• First focal plane options improve accuracy in varying light and distance conditions
• The zero-stop snaps you back to your exact zero in seconds, while the locking turret keeps it rock-solid no matter what.
• Rugged construction with a 7075 Aluminum Alloy Build and an IP67 waterproofing to stand up to extreme field conditions.

So yes, an HPVO can be a sniper scope—provided it has the right build quality and features.

4. Competition Shooters use HPVOs

Unlike standard shooting competitions like Close Quarter Battle (CQB), where the focus is on speed or close-range accuracy, PRS and similar long-range shooting competitions demand versatility, quick adjustments, and extreme precision.

The Precision Rifle Series (PRS), for example, tests shooters’ abilities to engage targets at varying distances, usually from an unstable shooting position and within a tight time limit. 

An HPVO is a crucial piece of PRS shooting gear: the features of HPVOs are a perfect match for the demands of these competitions.

There are practical uses for an HPVO in PRS and other types of shooting competition:

• Dialing precise turret adjustments for target ranges
• Holding for wind using reticle subtensions
• Engaging targets between 300 and 1,200 yards
• Spotting impacts and misses through the optic itself.

5. Civilian Enthusiasts

Not everyone who uses an HPVO is a professional or competitor. Many civilian shooting enthusiasts enjoy precision shooting at long ranges as a hobby. 

Why would a civilian prefer an HPVO? Simply put, it expands what their rifle can do. Instead of being limited to 100-yard ranges, they can challenge themselves at 500, 800, or even 1,000 yards. For those interested in pushing their skills or rifles to the limit, HPVOs are the right tool for the job. Compared to LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics, like 1-6x or 1-10x), HPVOs are better for:

• Identifying small targets far away
• Holding tighter shot groups
• Practicing precision marksmanship.

If you are looking to get into long-range shooting, you might want to consider an HPVO.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an optic that offers clarity, precision, and adaptability at long range, a High Power Variable Optic is a smart investment.

 Whether you're on the hunt for big game, prepping for a PRS match, or just enjoying a day at the range, an HPVO can take your shooting to the next level.