If you’re looking to upgrade your rifle with an optic that can handle close-range speed, mid-range precision, and long-range clarity, it's not a bad idea to follow the lead of some of the most capable marksmen in the world, right?

When the U.S. Marine Corps decides to make a change to its standard gear, that decision isn’t made lightly. Every piece of equipment they issue is tested in harsh environments, proven in training, and put through the ups and downs of real-world combat scenarios. 

This is what makes the United States Marine Corps’ adoption of LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics) in recent years worth paying attention to—not just for military enthusiasts, but for any everyday shooter who wants to make informed choices about their own rifle setup.

Let’s take a closer look at what LPVOs the Marines use, why they chose them, and what it means for the rest of us.

How Did the Marine Corps Arrive at LPVOs?

The Marine Corps has always taken marksmanship seriously. Unlike other the Air Force, Navy, and other branches of the military that emphasize support or technology, every Marine is trained first and foremost as a rifleman. This is a deep-rooted philosophy, and is captured in their mantra:

 “Every Marine is a rifleman.”

Because of this deep-rooted culture, the USMC has been methodical and conservative in adopting rifle optics. The Army quickly embraced red dot sights (like the M68 CCO), but the Marines clung to iron sights longer and later standardized on fixed-magnification optics to ensure precision.

Notable Milestones

2004 – ACOG RCO (Rifle Combat Optic)

The USMC adopted the Trijicon ACOG 4x32 as the standard optic. It offered fixed 4x magnification, great durability, and a BDC reticle—ideal for engagements from 100 to 500 yards.

2010s – Red Dot Sights (RDS)

Some units began receiving Aimpoint CompM4 or EOTech holographic sights for urban or CQB-focused roles.

2020 – LPVOs Begin to Replace ACOGs

Realizing the limitations of fixed power in dynamic combat scenarios, the Marine Corps began fielding LPVOs.

So, what changed in the 2020s? The general consensus is that, as battlefields became more complex and diverse (ranging from urban environments to wide-open spaces), the limitations of a fixed 4x scope became clear. And that need for versatility is what drove the Marines to adopt LPVOs.

What LPVOs Are the Marines Using?

Today, the Marine Corps has begun to replace the ACOG with more flexible LPVOs. Here are the primary models that have been officially selected by the USMC:

Trijicon VCOG 1-8x28

• 1x for close quarters, up to 8x for long range
• Tough, battle-proven, and extremely versatile

Sig Sauer TANGO6T 1-6x

• Selected by the U.S. Army, but also used in specialized Marine units
• Great for mid-range shooting and rapid adjustments

Nightforce ATACR 1-8x

• Used in reconnaissance and special operations units
• Known for top-tier glass and tracking

Odin LPVOs: Train Like a Marine (For Half the Price!!)

Again, if you’re looking to upgrade your rifle with an optic that can handle different shooting demands under different conditions, consider following the lead of some of the most capable marksmen in the world.

And the good news is, you don't need to put down over $2,000 to get a VCOG 1-8x28 or a TANGO6T. Gunnr gives you high-grade LPVOs with exclusive features at a price that will not break the bank. 

Check out our Odin LPVO collection, and see what you need. 

Why LPVOs Are Perfect for What Marines Do

The Marine Corps does much more than infantry patrols. Marines take on a range of missions, all of which are compatible with the features of LPVOs. Consider the following roles Marines play, and how LPVOs fit:

• Amphibious landings: Requires rapid transitions between close-quarters and open terrain.
• Urban combat involves tight corners, fast reflexes, and precision.
• Reconnaissance and support: Calls for observation and long-range accuracy.
  

LPVOs give Marines the tools to succeed in all of these scenarios. They offer:

• 1x magnification for fast target acquisition in close quarters. 1x Magnification is one of the major differences between LPVOs and MPVOs.
• 4x to 8x magnification for clear target identification at longer distances. I happen to agree with the shooters who recommend a 1-6x FFP LPVO for a good balance of short-range and medium-range abilities.
• Illuminated reticles for low-light conditions.
• Rugged construction that holds zero even after drops, bumps, and rough handling. High-grade aluminum is a must.

In short, LPVOs combine the best features of red dots and traditional scopes in one durable package.

What This Means for You

So what can a civilian, weekend shooter, or hunter learn from the Marine Corps’ choice of optics? Here are 4 key lessons:

1. Versatility Is Key

You may not be storming beaches or clearing buildings, but the ability to quickly switch between 1x for quick shots and higher magnification for longer ranges is useful on any range or operation. 

LPVOs are great for tactical use, and you get to adapt to your surroundings without switching gear.

2. Train Like the Marines

The Marine Corps emphasizes marksmanship fundamentals. If you’re using an LPVO, you can take advantage of the same sight picture and holdover techniques used by military professionals.

Practicing at different ranges with one optic helps you become a better shooter overall. If you follow the 4 tips for shooting at a gun range, your proficiency with an LPVO will increase in no time.

3. Durability Matters

Marines don’t get to baby their gear. If an optic passes their standards, it’s probably going to survive anything you throw at it, whether you’re in a three-gun match or a hunting trip through the woods.

Consider Gunnr’s Odin optics: they are made of high-grade 7075 aluminum bodies, with an IP67 rating for dust and waterproof performance. 

Talk about dependability in any environment.

4. More Than Just a Red Dot

Red dots are fast and lightweight, but they don’t offer the same flexibility as an LPVO. If you shoot at different ranges, want to spot and identify targets more clearly, or just want one optic that can do it all, an LPVO is a smart investment.

Once Again..Gunnr Optics

For this as well, you want to get an LPVO with high-quality glass. German Schott glass, the choice glass for the recently released optics like Heimdall HPVOs and Odin Scopes, has received great reviews.

Because if an LPVO is good enough for the U.S. Marines, it’s probably good enough for the rest of us, too.

Sources

• Sandboxx News: Why The Marines Chose LPVOs (And Why it Makes Sense)
• Pew Pew Tactical: Military Optics: The Red Dots & Scopes Soldiers Use on the Battlefield
• Wikipedia: Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight