There are tons of options, and they both have positives or negatives to them.
However, either optic choice with a skilled shooter behind them can excel at hitting their intended target.
For longer shots, flip the magnifier back.
LPVO vs. red dot sights: there is no wrong choice, but one optic choice maybe be better suited for your needs than the other.
Its a very easy-to-use process.
What Is an LPVO?
The name of this gives it away it is going to be a low power variable optic.
A red dot sight can be better for CQB engagements, while a magnifier can extend your range for accurate shooting.
These are often found with zoom ranges such as 1-4X, 1-6X, 1-8X and 1-10X.
Most of the newest ones on the market have a 30mm tube and illuminated reticles.
They are also usually found with a fast-focus eyepiece with excellent light transmission.
Shown above is a Vortex LPVO mounted on the author’s Springfield SAINT rifle. It offers a range of magnifications that a red dot with magnifier cannot.
The Main Differences
What is the intended purpose?
Yet, the LPVO can be dialed down to 1X to shoot close and fast.
There isnt time to switch back and forth on the power wheel of an LPVO.
A red dot sight gains additional usefulness from the addition of a magnifier that can be rotated in and out of place depending on your shooting needs.
This is likely due to the ability to change the power wheel depending on the need at the time.
This is arguably the worst drawback with a magnifier for a red dot.
For a precision shot at distance, the LPVO will outclass the magnified red dot every time.
The author found the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6 is the perfect option for his LPVO needs.
Most red dots or holographic weapon sights are parallax free.
With any rifle scope, its imperative the reticle is centered in the objective lens.
The Right Choice?
Shown above is the Vortex red dot with a magnifier mounted on a SAINT rifle. The magnifier can be moved to the right of the gun when not in use.
The truth is, there isnt a wrong choice on this.
Just one of these two optics maybe a better option depending on what their intended role is.
For a traditional scope reticle, the LPVO is the best choice. Red dot sights offer a number of aiming options, but none as precise as a scope.
