I know LPVOs are the current "in" thing. However, as I have begun to tactically analyze them, I have come to realize there are significant problems associated with them:

Consider this: you're dialed in at 8x on a distance target, and suddenly a threat pops up danger close. You are not going to have time to break your grip and adjust the zoom on your LPVO. You need to be able to engage NOW. This means that you are still going to need either offset irons or an offset red dot. This, in turn, means that the LPVO's ability to go to 1x zoom is now redundant. In fact, I would say that the entire 1-3x range of its zoom is now redundant, as at this range a simple red dot is sufficient.

So, taking the above in mind, the useful tactical zoom of your LPVO now starts at 4x, AND you are still going to need offset irons or a red dot. At that point, why not get a 4-12x scope instead that will have better max zoom and better glass clarity? A traditional 4-12x scope is also often substantially cheaper and lighter weight than an LPVO due to the LPVO's use of a heavy prism. Considering all that, why cripple your performance by using an LPVO? Tactically, you can do better with a 4-12x scope and an offset red dot.

There are some excellent points made here. Every gear choice we make represents a trade off in regards to features, function, price, weight, power consumption, ect.. I am by no means an expert, but I do have some training and experience with the AR-15/M4 platform. That being said, I will offer one counterpoint to Michael's statement.

I would not describe an LPVO as redundant at a range of 1-3 power because an illuminated reticle (red dot) provides for quicker target acquisition (when properly trained) in comparison to iron sights. It has been my experience that a red dot is superior in terms of fast target acquisition while maintaining better situational awareness because a shooter can have both eyes open. I would not equate iron sights with a red dot or LPVO at low magnification because they do not perform similarly, and would therefore not describe the LPVO as redundant with irons.

These are just my thoughts, and everyone's use case for their sighting system is unique.

This is why I advocate for an offset red dot instead. I run an offset Romeo5 on my DMR, paired with a 4-12x scope. Any quality long battery life red dot can substitute, though. Holosun, Aimpoint series, or even a Vortex Crossfire 2.

There is a article that was in Recoil recently going over much of what you talked about. They expressed the need for the niche of MPVO (medium power variable optic) something like a 2-10 or better yet 2-12 and a off set red dot

OP the scenario you are describing with a sudden threat danger close and no time to dial down open both eyes put the cross hair on center mass and go to work. I stopped shooting with one eye closed years ago mainly for spacial awareness and found with magnification dialed in the brain will transpose the cross hairs, i’m sure there is a fancy term for it but it works. Then there is always the ready fire aim model where if we are at bad breath distances get muzzle over threat and adjust aim off impacts, for this i recommend just looking over the top of the scope.

Neither option is the most precise but it will get the job done at distances where you don’t have time to dial down.

LPVO’s IMO are the best things to happen to the firearms space ever. Every optic has its pluses and minuses and so far the only inherent issue with LPVO’s is the time to dial up or down. A quality throw lever and training with your gear can mitigate a lot of this also.

Michael's thoughts on LPVOs provoked some extra thought and inspired me to do some additional testing with my new optic. He pointed out a feasible problem with an LPVO set out at 8X and then encountering a threat at close distance which requires the shooter to either transition to offset irons or an offset red dot, or to take the time to throw the dial back to 1X. Here is what I have found when simulating that situation:

I have a Vortex Strike Eagle 1x8, my first LPVO. I adjusted the scope out to the maximum 8X, had the reticle illuminated, and chose a target about 100 yards away. I then quickly transitioned to an up-close target and went from one eye closed for the distance shot, to both eyes open for the close threat. The illuminated reticle allowed my to quickly and accurately acquire the close threat, albeit with a slightly blurred sight picture. I repeated this drill numerous times and in each instance was able to transition and acquire the close target even at 8X.

I'm a definite fan of the LPVO, but like anything else, it requires training to work around its limitations.

Good info KB, thanks for the legwork on this dilemma. Great to see all of ya working with the tools at hand. I run the VSE 1x8 on some of mine also, not bad for the price. JCKC