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Uses for a Low Power Variable Optic. The concept of a low power variable optic rifle scope has been around for many years though it remains one of the most underutilized technologies in shooting sports.
Low power variable optic (LPVO) rifle scopes certainly aren’t the new kid on the block. In fact, the first 1x glass was developed in Germany in the 1920s. While the concept has been around for many years, it remains one of the most underutilized technologies in shooting sports.
Critics would argue that LPVOs aren’t powerful enough for ultra-long-range shooting. Additionally, the 1x doesn’t provide the same tactical ability as a red dot. It is undeniable, however, that 1x variable scopes excel in one area over any other type of optic – versatility.
The Low Power Variable Optic
Variable 1x scopes give a shooter options without needing to change rifle or scope. Consider them the multitool of the optics landscape. The 1x zoom provides an outstanding field of view for close shots. Moments later the same shooter using the same rifle can dial up the zoom to have an extremely precise option for longer ranges.
Militaries around the world have been using 1x scopes for almost 30 years, and hunters, competition shooters, and recreational shooters can greatly increase their success by considering the applications of lowering magnification. See below for scenarios where less is more.
For the Hunter
Over the past several years, hunting glass technology has trended towards higher magnification. While bragging to our friends about killing an animal a mile away carries appeal, the reality is that the vast majority of shots taken afield occur at less than 100 yards.
For hunters, the beauty of LPVOs lies in their versatility. Hunters stalking elk and deer in timber benefit from quick target acquisition and a wide field of view, especially where shots may be narrow. Hog and predator hunting often requires quick follow-up shots on when multiple targets are in the picture.
The Field of View advantage of the TORIC LPVO at 1x is undeniable…Delivering a 105 ft. FOV at 100 yards.
Mountain hunters benefit from lighter equipment. Muzzloaders rarely take game beyond 200 yards and benefit greatly from bright glass. Hunters venturing into bear country or pursuing dangerous game need the ability to quickly acquire a target. And a 1x scope can make the literal difference in life and death. The applications in the outdoors are vast. Outdoorsmen and women should at least add lower power optics to their list of possibilities.
For the Competitive Shooter
As an outstanding “do-it-all” optic, LPVOs excel on the competition circuit. Tailor-made for AR platforms and modern sporting rifles, 3-Gun competitions are the perfect battleground. 3-Gun contests commonly stack shots from 2 yards to 300 yards, and carrying a heavy rifle from station to station can greatly drag down time and score.
A compact, lightweight low power variable optic provides competitors a handy and flexible pairing with their rifle. Scopes with BDC reticles make longer-range calculations a breeze, and a center red dot ups the ante in low light scenarios or cloudy days.
Often an overlooked quality, the compact makeup of LPVOs shines in fast-shooting competitions, especially on shorter rifle builds. Weighing in around 20-25 ounces and under a foot in length paired with their multi-use ability, 1x scopes are perfect for competitive shooting sports.
For the Recreational Shooter
Nothing beats a day at the range. And 1x scopes provide the perfect optic for plinking steel. Indoor ranges are convenient but loud, smokey, and short. Closer range shots don’t require a larger top-end magnification, and in many cases lower magnification is more pleasurable indoors.
Take the same rifle with the same scope to an outdoor range for a casual Saturday al fresco. Longer-range targets and steel are available at most municipal shooting facilities and shooting a wide gamut of targets is a large part of the enjoyment.
If you shoot indoors, outdoors, or a combination of the two, mounting a low power variable optic on top of your steel or paper plinker will open up lots of options for burning powder. Conveniently built to be used in either environment, low power variable scopes deserve a look.
The 1x LPVOs are truly the Swiss Army knife of optics. Whether you’re building a multi-use rifle or a rifle for a specific purpose, low power variable optics deserve consideration. If you’ll review your primary needs, the odds are good that 1x will fit the bill.
