If you’re into tactical or competition shooting, chances are you’ve heard about Low-Power Variable Optics. They are compact, lightweight, and practical for engaging targets at short and medium distances while offering sufficient magnification to make 500-600 yard shots feasible.
Depending on the maximum magnification setting, the caliber you shoot, and the scope’s features, your maximum engagement distances may increase to 800, 900, or even 1,000 yards. Even if you take most of your shots between 0 and 300, knowing that your scope will not let you down when you need to make that long shot may be critical to you.
Best LPVOs for 3-Gun & Competition
Discover what the professionals and the top competitive shooters use for competition shooting disciplines such as 2-gun, 3-gun, USPSA Rifle, and many others.
1. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm
Vortex is another household name in the world of riflescopes, offering multiple lines of riflescopes for all applications on the market. The Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm is part of the highly successful Vortex Razor HD series, designed to meet extreme demands for hunting, competition, and duty use.
This third-generation model is a purpose-designed LPVO, offering a 1x to 10x magnification range, two reticle options, and a rugged, ultra-durable design, capable of withstanding daily rough use and abuse. The scope tube diameter is 34mm, requiring you to use an appropriate set of 34mm scope rings.
The distinctive feature of all Vortex HD optics is the HD Optical System, a carefully engineered set of optically indexes lenses designed to eliminate edge blurring and chromatic aberration while providing the highest image quality and light transmission possible.
Vortex offers the Razor HD Gen III with two reticle options: the EBR-9 MOA and the EBR-9 MRAD. Both project the reticle on the first focal plane for maximum accuracy.
The MOA version is ideal for carbines chambered in 5.56mm (55 to 77 grain) or .308 Winchester (168 to 175 grain). With a standard 50/200 battlesight zero, the first five bullet drop compensation marks are accurate to 600 yards. Extended shots are possible with the 20, 24, 28, and 32 hash marks, provided you have zeroed your rifle accordingly.
If you shoot different cartridges or prefer to use a mil-rad dot grid, the MRAD version of the EBR-9 reticle will be your ideal companion, allowing you to take shots at up to 1,000 yards, depending on your platform’s chambering and accuracy.
At minimum magnification, the segmented circle may appear like a small red dot, ideal for precise engagement of close-range targets. But as soon as you crank the magnification up, your reticle system comes into view, allowing you to engage at longer distances and take a precise shot.
The Razor HD Gen III comes with a daylight-bright illumination system, brightening the center dot and segmented circle and aiding the shooter regardless of zoom level or lighting conditions.
The box comes complete with a free sunshade and throw lever, increasing shooting comfort under bright and sunny conditions, reducing glare, and making it easy to adjust magnification in any conditions.
If you wish to turn your 3-gun rifle into a highly versatile platform, the Vortex Razor HD Gen III has the magnification and glass quality to help you reach any target in sight.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
- Model: Razor HD Gen III 1-10x24mm
- Magnification range: 1x to 10x
- Reticle system: EBR-9 MOA or EBR-9 MRAD
- Focal plane: First
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Eye relief: 3.6”
- Adjustments per click: 0.25 MOA (EBR-9 MOA) or 0.1 Mil (EBR-9 MRAD)
- Illumination: Yes, 1x CR2032 battery
- Length: 10.1”
- Weight: 21.5 oz.
2. NightForce ATACR 1-8x24mm F1
NightForce is a well-known name if you’re familiar with long-distance shooting. The top-rated Nightforce ATACR series of scopes is the favorite of most precision rifle shooters in the United States and abroad, particularly the 7-35x56mm and 5-25x56mm versions.
However, did you know that NightForce produces an LPVO variant of the ATACR as well? The 1-8x24mm model offers everything precision shooters know and love about their favorite optic, but in a form factor and magnification ranges better suited for tactical carbines.
Like most LPVOs, this version of the ATACR has a 24mm objective lens. However, the scope body is 34mm instead of the more common 30mm; ensure you have the correct set of scope rings.
The magnification range is 1x to 8x, easily adjustable with the included Power Throw Lever. This magnification range is one of the most versatile, offering an excellent balance between overall dimensions and maximum magnification.
No matter the zoom level you set the scope to, the ultra-clear, multi-coated ED glass provides you with exceptional image quality and clarity.
Turret adjustment and tracking are highly accurate, allowing you to make adjustments to account for windage and elevation in complete confidence.
The ATACR 1-8x24mm is only available with a single reticle system, the Nightforce FC-DMx, projected on the first focal plane.
This reticle system, reminiscent of models used on larger ATACR scopes (e.g., MIL-XT, Horus TREMOR3), comes complete with a segmented circle and three large outer subtensions for use at low magnification settings, and a 10 MRAD dot grid for high-magnification precision shooting.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true LPVO without an illumination system. Powered by a single CR2032 battery, the ATACR 1-8x24mm comes with daylight-bright red illumination for low-light shooting, keeping you competitive from 6 AM to 6 PM. Pair this optic with an accurate competition AR-15 or AR-10, and you will be able to dominate the 3-gun field or any other range at any distance from 0 to 800 yards.
It doesn’t matter how roughly you use and abuse this scope. All ATACR scopes have what NightForce refers to as “bomb-proof reliability,” combining a highly durable construction with the best scratch- and impact-resistant coatings on both the scope body and the lenses.
If you want the best on all your rifles, including your 3-gun rifle, buying NightForce is a 100% safe investment.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: NightForce Optics
- Model: ATACR 1-8x24mm F1
- Magnification range: 1x to 8x
- Reticle system: FC-DMx
- Focal plane: First
- Tube diameter: 34mm
- Eye relief: 3.7”
- Adjustments per click: 0.1 Mil
- Illumination: Yes, 1x CR2032 battery
- Length: 10.1”
- Weight: 21 oz.
3. Trijicon Credo 1-6x24mm HX
As one of the world’s top optics manufacturers, it should be no surprise that one of Trijicon’s products often ends up in the hands of the top competition shooters.
The Trijicon Credo 1-6x24mm HX is one of the best 1-6x LPVOs on the market today. Although not as well-known as some of the other Trijicon products (e.g., ACOG, RMR), the Credo succeeds the company’s previous LPVO offerings, such as the VCOG and the AccuPoint.
The Credo brings together years of research, development, and lessons learned from field use of Trijicon products by the world’s military and police forces, resulting in a next-generation tactical riflescope that puts usability and purpose-driven design before all else.
As expected of Trijicon, the Credo’s build quality is second to none. Its aluminum body offers battlefield-ready durability without excessive weight. The multi-coated lenses are engineered to provide perfect light transmission in true color without tinting or warping.
At 1x, the large segmented circle found on both reticle options allows shooters to comfortably acquire targets with both eyes open, almost as comfortably as with a red dot sight. At the maximum magnification setting, edge blurring is so minimal it’s practically unnoticeable, giving you a clear view of the field without distractions.
Trijicon offers the Credo with two reticle options, each available with a red or green illumination system. The first option is the BDC Segmented Circle, featuring bullet drop compensation hash marks calibrated for .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO 55-grain ammunition (e.g., M193 and equivalents). The second reticle is the MRAD Segmented Circle, featuring Mil-rad BDC marks instead.
The BDC reticle is only available on the second focal plane, whereas the MRAD reticle is only available on the first focal plane. For shooters with an AR-15 intended for multiple purposes (competition, hunting, home defense), the BDC reticle may be the best choice.
However, if you intend to install the Credo on a dedicated competition shooting rifle, particularly if that rifle is chambered in something other than 5.56, go with the MRAD reticle instead.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Trijicon
- Model: Credo HX
- Magnification range: 1x to 6x
- Reticle system: BDC Segmented Circle or MRAD Segmented Circle
- Focal plane: First (MRAD reticle), Second (BDC reticle)
- Tube diameter: 30mm
- Eye relief: 3.5” – 3.9”
- Adjustments per click: 0.25 MOA (BDC reticle), 0.1 Mil (MRAD Griffin)
- Illumination: Yes, 1x CR2032 battery
- Length: 10.9”
- Weight: 18.2 oz.
Conclusion
Although there are many LPVOs (in a variety of magnification ranges such as 1-6x, 1-8x and 1-10x) a and other riflescopes on the market, many of which are good-quality products for much lower prices, they may sometimes lack certain features or not offer the quality you expect in other ways.
If you’re a serious shooter, you understand the need to buy top-quality glass. They are designed to offer maximum performance no matter the lighting conditions or magnification setting, with the utmost image quality, sharpness, and clarity.
Cheaper scopes may be good enough for most people in most use cases, but if you want an edge over the competition, buy one of these scopes and never look back; you won’t be disappointed.
