Not sure what happened behind the scenes but recently it feels like there has been a HUGE step up in Brownells YT content. Caleb you are absolutely rocking as a presenter!
The most important thing to remember: the optic you choose is much less important than how you practice and train with it. Do your research, and pick one you think is right for you. Then stop worrying if you made the right decision, and train with it.
I've been through so many optics until I even knew LPVO's were a thing. Immediately fell in love with them. Yea, they're not as fast as a red dot but it does plenty fine for me especially now I've saught out proper training. It's for the farm and bump in the night option anyway. For everything else I've been carrying a Walther pdp with holosun 507c.
I love Holosun's 507c. It is a very nice micro reflex. I actually use them on a 45 degree mount as a backup and on one rifle use a red-dot magnifier combo and another an LPVO. The LPVO's nowadays have a great field of view with very minimal tube interference that allows for very quick acquisition.
@@caseymaloney3416 100% agree! The eye box on LPVO's still really suck though and need more innovation. Luckily they're pretty forgiving on 1-3x power but anything past that you need to have a damn good and consistent cheek weld because both the eye relief and eyebox seem extremely strict. Hopefully they will improve upon that as well as parallax. One day I hope to own the eotech vudu
@@TerminalM193 Eotech has some very nice equipment. I'm running a Trijicon Credo 1-4 x 24 on my pistol and really have been liking the eye box, though yes I agree that there are some that are quite hard to get used to.
@@caseymaloney3416 I'd love the opportunity to use an optic other than a micro emitter on a pistol. Are you able to keep the same grip as you normally would with the pistol? How'd the parallax?
Red Dot with 3X magnifier and flip up iron sights makes a great 100yd fighting rifle. Can push it a little farther. 3 ways to sight on a single gun. 62 gr. set up for Red Dot and 55gr. set up for flip up irons.
I'm over 60 and I'm not getting any stronger. I have one AR with an LVPO and another with a red dot and magnifier. The AR with a red dot is quite a bit lighter and a lot easier for me to use within 100 yards -- the eye box is a lot more forgiving.
An LVPO will still give you a good sight picture if the battery dies, plus I’ve never been able to have a rear sight mounted with an LVPO. For a red dot, I feel that backup iron sights are a must. I prefer a folding rear sight but use both fixed and flip-up front sights with red dots. It took a long time, but I like a red dot for most applications here where sights lines aren’t long due to trees and hills. Only my heavy, precision AR-10 mounts an LVPO. Caleb - please get going on that magnifier video!
With an LPVO my preference is for canted, or 45° iron sights. Still usable without removing the optic and gives me an extra way to aim if my optic should catastrophically fail, reticle is etched so I don't have to worry about batteries so much. Some people prefer a QD scope mount with regular irons for an LPVO.
Absolutely on point! For certain applications, a red dot would be a more appropriate choice; where in another the LPVO would be a better choice. IMHE, quality is what truly matters. And yes, a video on the magnifiers would be great!
EXCELLENT video: Thorough, lucid, and factual. FWIW, I use a red dot, BUT I retain - and actually prefer, in many situations - good, multi-aperture, iron sights. Perhaps this is due to six decades of experiences with them. I’m not suggesting that optics don’t have their place; rather, that they do not eclipse the advantages of iron sites.
Thank God for y'all at Brownells. You guys are the only channel that I gave advice from. Now if I could just get that damned Tin bcg from y'all I'd be super stoked.
Couple important things not mentioned here: RE: LPVO - First focal plane vs second focal plane...first focal plane = reticle size changes with zoom, second focal plane = reticle size stays the same with zoom. This is an important consideration. There are pros and cons to both. RE: Red dot - He didn't really mention holographic sights but he should have. If you magnify a red dot, the dot will appear larger whereas if you magnify a holographic reticle, it will not. This is why, in my opinion, an EOTech (which is holographic) with a flip-over and/or removable magnifier (mine is flip-over AND has a QD mount) is the sweet spot for most situations. You get that awesome reticle, great SA, etc AND you can knock the magnifier over if you need to reach out a bit, all while retaining that awesome, crisp, precise reticle. It's fantastic. I originally had a red dot...Sig Romeo5. Great sight, ESPECIALLY for the price. Swapped that out for a Vortex LPVO and hated it...the eye box on the one I had (Strike Eagle? I think that's what it was) was AWFUL. It was REALLY hard to see out of and it was huge so I ditched it and decided to say screw it and go HAM. Now I've got an EOTech EXPS3 with a Vortex 3x flip-over magnifier. LOVE the current set up!!
The correct answer is, "Both." LPVO with a pistol-size red dot on a 45 degree offset on the same rifle, IMO. (That's coming over from running a red dot with 3X magnifier previously.)
Outstanding sir. More videos on options are always appreciated. Quick tips has become an amazing source for information and Caleb breaks down “both” sides of the story very well. IF he would like to, I am sure we would enjoy “Quick Tips: Extended” versions as well.
Almost 43 years old and I still prefer my red dot (ACSS reticle), been ringing steel at 400 with it. Wont be long before age catches up and I’ll need some magnification though.
I tried both and i prefer the comnination of both on my 16" AR15. i got a 2-12x44 with a 35° offset reddot. It is definetly the heavyest comnination possible, but you can go longe range and cqb with this setup
LPVO is the way to go. You are almost as fast as a dot on the low power setting, especially with an illuminated reticle, but really have the ability to crank up the magnification for the longer shots. Also, I find the LPVO to be much more precise when it comes to shot placement.
Most competitive "open division" rifle shooters will use an LPVO (1-8x or 1-6x) AND an offset red dot to get the best of both worlds - they don't care so much about the optics weight since they won't be lugging it around anywhere outside the shooting range. For a designated marksman-type role or recreational rifle shooter, the LPVO is the obvious choice. For infantry, law enforcement, and civilians who will be carrying their rifle around a lot, and will rarely engage targets beyond 100-200 meters the red dot and magnifier combo is really good - the ability to just remove the magnifier from the rifle and put it in your backpack makes such a huge difference for those types of uses. The environment also plays a role. The LPVO makes a lot more sense in a desert or open rural terrain. The red dot makes a lot more sense in an urban, heavily forested, or jungle environment.
I used to think optics with double pane glass (1 in front, and 1 in the back) were good, until I realized the anti-glare coating reflecting back into the user. Now it's single pane glass option for me, such as Holosun or Eotech for me. Unless I am shooting long range, then no such issues, because long range optics don't suffer from double pane anti-reflective coating issues.
I like both but prefer a red dot just like you said for 100 yards or less. I have a 1x6 LPVO that I am still not 100% confident with at anything above 3x because of the eye relief.
Great video guys, thank you. I prefer the red dot because of faster target acquisition and it meets my need. It has the capability to engage targets up to 300 meters (perhaps not as efficiently as an LPVO); but with good marksmanship it is possible. I use Eotech lol.
The biggest thing I like about magnifiers is you can remove them far easier than an LPVO. Useful for a number of reasons. For more precision setups LPVOs are superior no doubt. But Vortex makes a 6X now in the size of a 3X and it weighs the same, a win win.
I’m a red dot kind of guy for 90 percent of what I’m going to use an AR for. When it comes to the benefit of magnification, I’ll opt for a magnifier when it’s needed. I like the LPVO theoretically, but haven’t invested in one yet. It is a more versatile option for a higher magnification ability, so perhaps I see one in my future…Thanks for the video!
I'll say this. With a vortex strikefire 2 I was getting 5" groups at 100yds bench shooting. Got a vortex crossfire 1x4 and brought that to rounds touching at 100-standing! It's not that much slower but man my accuracy went up alot! My two cents for what it's worth
I've run Eotech with magnifier for many years but recently switched to LVPOs. As far as LVPO magnification is concerned I found that you really don't need anything more powerful than a 6x. I personally run the Vortex Viper PST 1-4X and find that's all I need for my needs. I run it on my PWS MK114 and so far it's been solid.
Personal preference via experience, in the Red\Green Dot world (pistols) Holosun is about as best bang for the buck as you can get today. I prefer a LPVO on my rifles, so there is several brands to choose from, since there has been an explosion of VOs in the last couple of years
I bought my first ever LPVO. It will arrive this Saturday. I plan using in on a 50 Beowulf. I am curious to see if it will hold up. I am planning on buying a red dot for my 7.5 inch 300 AAC pistol. I am looking at the sig romeo 5. Finally, if I like the LPVO I bought, I just might get one for my 300 AAC rifle. This was helpful information.
I purchased an LPVO 10+ years ago. I like it but..... I rarely use it. I like 2X7 for Coyotes, 3x9 and higher for Gophers and small critters at distance. My Eotechs and Aimpoints get used the most for blasting/plinking and such.
You should look through a red dot before investing in one especially if you have astigmatism. I see a red oval multiple point star instead of a dot and I have astigmatism correction in my glasses. I don't have any problems looking through a scope but I have not tried one with an illuminated dot yet.
Aimpoint PRO in factory mount and Aimpoint 3x magnifier in AD mount weighs just over 20 oz combined. Both are nearly indestructible and In my opinion you can't have a better combo for 0-300yds with longer range capability still available. If you want to shoot at longer ranges as a priority go LPVO especially if you don't mind dropping $1200+ on a nice one.
had many types of red dots some with magnifiers LVPOs are so much better please do a segment about cleaning different firearms and the tools needed Thanks
Great video, one of the best I've seen on the subject actually. I've tried to like LVPOs, but living in a heavily wooded and mountainous area with any realistic shot under 200y, I just don't find them to give me an advantage that makes up for the complexity, cost and weight. Even though I have astigmatism, I prefer red dots. Most important to me is battery life. With a modern good quality red dot, I just leave it turned on 24/7/365 and change the battery every presidential election. I also like the advantage that red dots give you when shooting from awkward positions.
I like LPVOs for target identification. So I don't use them much at extended ranges. An I also haven't found a FFP LPVO that has a reticle I like. The market loves floating etched reticles which rend to me tiny and hard for my eyes to pick up quickly on 1x. So I still prefer red dots and Eotechs in many ways. Especially with the newer holosun gold dots as well as the new micro 3, 5, and 6x magnifiers. Plus with a magnifier you can possibly cowitness irons and, becomes most come with a qd mount, you can always take it off it toss it in a bag or pocket if need.
Have you looked through a Primary Arms LPVO with the ACSS reticle? It has a large horseshoe around the chevron for 1x shooting. Its very easy to pick up.
If you can see good the red dot are ok with the bigger targets but if you can’t see and need magnification to see the targets. I’ve been a scope guy for years hunting the dot are like open sights.
Red dot for speed and short distances. LPVO for mid distance and longer. One thing is you can carry a red dot magnifier on you and drop it on if needed. you don't have to rezero it like a sight.
I have an aimpoint PRO, an Eotech and a LPVO and each have issues with me. I have astigmatism so the PRO looks like a supernova, the Eotech is fine to about 100 meters, except I have trouble fine-tuning it for precision. The LPVO is useful because the magnification allows me to see well enough to fine tune it. Now I am considering a QD magnifier for the Eotech and selling the PRO. I do like the long battery life of the PRO however.
I'm starting to have the opinion the ACOG is the best of both worlds, last year I built a new upper and decided to try the ACOG. It does take some getting use to, but I have found it to work very well at both close range and out to longer ranges like 200 or 300 yards. The price is really no different if you compare a high quality LPVO or a red dot with magnifier.
I tried to like the ACOG, but the eye relief and eye box is just terrible. Good luck getting a sight picture during any kind of non-traditional shooting positions. Piggybacking it with a micro red dot fixes a lot of this though. I've heard that the 3.5x ACOGs have better eye relief.
2 thoughts... 1) if you only have 1 rifle you can use "quality" QD mounts on both optics and have the best of both worlds. 2) Buy another rifle and set it up for what ever you don't have...
Just got a Vortex 1x4 for mine. Just need to sight it a bit more accurate than it is now. I’m liking that stand that you have the gun mounted to. What is it?
personally i use a red dot + magnifier combo as most times im using my weapon its short range but just incase something is a bit to far out to be accurate then ill have the magnifier as a back up option.
Lpvo over red dot+magnifier. The higher tier and newer lpvo’s are getting really good and clear, especially in coming close to a true but bright 1x for running and gunning. It’s the reason why the competition world has run them for years with the military now following suit.
The competition world uses it because they need multiple BDC points so they can score higher on paper. Red dots will always be faster and no with variable powered magnifiers as well as BDC red dots coming out LPVOs are getting a run for their money. Even on my 1-10 Vudu, I still use a 509T
@@picklerick9578 perhaps if they’re still running paper targets, but most competitions that have targets at range use steel targets. Bdc and holdovers don’t matter as much when all you need is to see the target which is within 300y, typically within 200y which is essentially POA=POI with at most 4 inches in between at a 50y zero. Eotechs have long had bdc marks so if it were the case, LPVOs would’ve never gained notoriety as it has today. The dedicated system specializing in actual variable zoom will always be better in that specific application than a combo. Granted, if it’s just quickness, dots and holos will be quicker and it’ll take more work on the user to be faster. Hence why I referred more on illumination and clarity on being a true 1x. It wasn’t too long ago when a 1x scope was unheard of. Additionally, Magnifier eyeboxes are notorious for being too tight. Given their weight when paired with a holo, it’s losing some brownie points. I’d recommend you try a solid SFP lpvo, run it for a bit and I’m guessing you’d like it too. The SFPs are highly favored over FFPs to get more eye relief and eye box for an ease of use when you want to use it like a dot.
I look at dot as more of a gamer defensive optic. The lpvo weighs a tad bit more and offers much versatility i.e hunting. you may also not need to have binos(more weight) with lvpo. The magifier has crappy eye relief and is dumb imo when you can go lvpo to begin with.
I switched all my sights to lpvos. Why? Astigmatism. Red dots were a blur because of my astigmatism. My lpvos with occular focus gives me a crystal clear sight picture. Plus the 1x is a true red dot and I get magnifier when I need it. Shop around guys. Like an idiot I spent a fortune on my first lpvos listening to the experts. Since I’ve bought 3 more, half the price and just as good if not better
@@picklerick9578 well I guess I’m the exception. Nothing is impossible. Have you personally looked through every lpvo on the market? If so, you may think otherwise. But whatever you say, not gonna argue over it
@@johnburrows1179 You don't need to look through every scope on the market. I'm not saying there's no such thing as optics that have 1x settings that can't get extremely close to 1x. What I'm saying is that it's photonically impossible. A magnified optic does just that, it magnifies. You're still "bending" light through lenses to have the focal plane of a 1x but it's not truly one 1x. That's common sense.
Idk I am using mine for home defense I thought about adding a laser for quick acquisition and getting the lpvo so if the target is within ten 15 yards great. Than if the world goes belly up tomorrow I have a scope to hunt with.
I want to like lpvo's so much, love what they do and how they look etc. But they eye relief and shadowing drives me crazy... My red dot is bright day or night, clear just need a magnifier... Although I haven't tried a good LPVO YET...
Some confusion exists from very basic concepts. I had a red laser on a pistol, showing it to a guy who had lots of guns, been pretty much in his world around the gun scene, he asked me where i got the red dot ?
I'm looking at getting a variable power scope that maxes out around 10x for positive target id and piggyback mounting a micro dot for close quarters stuff. Is getting a 2.5-10x still a legit option in that situation? Seems like there's good quality options in that range for much less than 1-8x lpvos. If I've got the dot do I really need 1x on the scope?
A 10x scope is likely overkill for an AR-15, if that's what you're using. I use a 1-8x LPVO and I feel I could have went with a 1-6x and been totally fine with it.
I tried that and hated it. You have to raise your head up too high to use the dot on top of the scope which causes a loss of cheek weld. Accuracy suffers as does ergonomics.
Lpvo with a fixed front sight just looks wrong. Good comparison though. Looking to set my rifles up with good optics and don't want to waste a ton of money on the wrong style.
I've got a dot + mag & lpvo I love the dot set up but I'm away Worried about EMP happening then losing my dot. I hit stuff out to 300 + yard with dot set up . LVPO Just okay. I'm just gonna go back To my Holosun515cm & htm3× mag And hopefully no EMP. Better yet Hopefully a EMP don't happen @ all And the 🌎 can be @ peace. 😊 Thank u. 🇺🇸 2A 🇺🇸
lpvo wins but red is better for home defense inside home. less wieght quicker movement of rifle in less then ideal conditions, (off range in combat) 100 yards + LPVO every time.
I can't believe you didn't mention the greatest advantage of the red dot.. the lack of parallax error. When using a red dot it doesn't matter if you're aligned behind the sight as long you see the dot you're good to go it doesn't matter if the dot is centered or not. At least for the quality red dot sight, and doesn't matter how good optic is it's parallax free only at certain distance!
Not sure what happened behind the scenes but recently it feels like there has been a HUGE step up in Brownells YT content. Caleb you are absolutely rocking as a presenter!
Thank you, I really appreciate that!
Agreed! We need more of this type of content
@@CalebSavant I think the hair is making the decisions here
Caleb is the guy we all wish we ran into at our local range or gun store when we started shooting sports
The most important thing to remember: the optic you choose is much less important than how you practice and train with it. Do your research, and pick one you think is right for you. Then stop worrying if you made the right decision, and train with it.
Caleb is a great presenter
I've been through so many optics until I even knew LPVO's were a thing. Immediately fell in love with them. Yea, they're not as fast as a red dot but it does plenty fine for me especially now I've saught out proper training. It's for the farm and bump in the night option anyway. For everything else I've been carrying a Walther pdp with holosun 507c.
I’m more interested in acquisition time.
I love Holosun's 507c. It is a very nice micro reflex. I actually use them on a 45 degree mount as a backup and on one rifle use a red-dot magnifier combo and another an LPVO. The LPVO's nowadays have a great field of view with very minimal tube interference that allows for very quick acquisition.
@@caseymaloney3416 100% agree! The eye box on LPVO's still really suck though and need more innovation. Luckily they're pretty forgiving on 1-3x power but anything past that you need to have a damn good and consistent cheek weld because both the eye relief and eyebox seem extremely strict. Hopefully they will improve upon that as well as parallax. One day I hope to own the eotech vudu
@@TerminalM193 Eotech has some very nice equipment. I'm running a Trijicon Credo 1-4 x 24 on my pistol and really have been liking the eye box, though yes I agree that there are some that are quite hard to get used to.
@@caseymaloney3416 I'd love the opportunity to use an optic other than a micro emitter on a pistol. Are you able to keep the same grip as you normally would with the pistol? How'd the parallax?
Steve & Caleb put some really helpful videos. Give those gentlemen a raise, Brownell’s.
Red Dot with 3X magnifier and flip up iron sights makes a great 100yd fighting rifle. Can push it a little farther. 3 ways to sight on a single gun. 62 gr. set up for Red Dot and 55gr. set up for flip up irons.
I'm over 60 and I'm not getting any stronger. I have one AR with an LVPO and another with a red dot and magnifier. The AR with a red dot is quite a bit lighter and a lot easier for me to use within 100 yards -- the eye box is a lot more forgiving.
An LVPO will still give you a good sight picture if the battery dies, plus I’ve never been able to have a rear sight mounted with an LVPO. For a red dot, I feel that backup iron sights are a must. I prefer a folding rear sight but use both fixed and flip-up front sights with red dots. It took a long time, but I like a red dot for most applications here where sights lines aren’t long due to trees and hills. Only my heavy, precision AR-10 mounts an LVPO.
Caleb - please get going on that magnifier video!
With an LPVO my preference is for canted, or 45° iron sights. Still usable without removing the optic and gives me an extra way to aim if my optic should catastrophically fail, reticle is etched so I don't have to worry about batteries so much.
Some people prefer a QD scope mount with regular irons for an LPVO.
5x Prism + offset Iron sights is a great combo.
Good stuff Caleb ; )
Great video. Caleb knows his sh*t.
Literally the best video on this particular topic that I have seen
Absolutely on point! For certain applications, a red dot would be a more appropriate choice; where in another the LPVO would be a better choice. IMHE, quality is what truly matters. And yes, a video on the magnifiers would be great!
EXCELLENT video: Thorough, lucid, and factual.
FWIW, I use a red dot, BUT I retain - and actually prefer, in many situations - good, multi-aperture, iron sights. Perhaps this is due to six decades of experiences with them. I’m not suggesting that optics don’t have their place; rather, that they do not eclipse the advantages of iron sites.
Thank God for y'all at Brownells. You guys are the only channel that I gave advice from. Now if I could just get that damned Tin bcg from y'all I'd be super stoked.
Is that a fucking Javelin in your safe??? He left the safe open on purpose 😂😂😂
Couple important things not mentioned here:
RE: LPVO - First focal plane vs second focal plane...first focal plane = reticle size changes with zoom, second focal plane = reticle size stays the same with zoom. This is an important consideration. There are pros and cons to both.
RE: Red dot - He didn't really mention holographic sights but he should have. If you magnify a red dot, the dot will appear larger whereas if you magnify a holographic reticle, it will not. This is why, in my opinion, an EOTech (which is holographic) with a flip-over and/or removable magnifier (mine is flip-over AND has a QD mount) is the sweet spot for most situations. You get that awesome reticle, great SA, etc AND you can knock the magnifier over if you need to reach out a bit, all while retaining that awesome, crisp, precise reticle. It's fantastic.
I originally had a red dot...Sig Romeo5. Great sight, ESPECIALLY for the price. Swapped that out for a Vortex LPVO and hated it...the eye box on the one I had (Strike Eagle? I think that's what it was) was AWFUL. It was REALLY hard to see out of and it was huge so I ditched it and decided to say screw it and go HAM. Now I've got an EOTech EXPS3 with a Vortex 3x flip-over magnifier. LOVE the current set up!!
The correct answer is, "Both."
LPVO with a pistol-size red dot on a 45 degree offset on the same rifle, IMO.
(That's coming over from running a red dot with 3X magnifier previously.)
Outstanding sir. More videos on options are always appreciated. Quick tips has become an amazing source for information and Caleb breaks down “both” sides of the story very well. IF he would like to, I am sure we would enjoy “Quick Tips: Extended” versions as well.
Almost 43 years old and I still prefer my red dot (ACSS reticle), been ringing steel at 400 with it. Wont be long before age catches up and I’ll need some magnification though.
I tried both and i prefer the comnination of both on my 16" AR15. i got a 2-12x44 with a 35° offset reddot. It is definetly the heavyest comnination possible, but you can go longe range and cqb with this setup
Why would you want a heavy rifle for CQB lol.
@@Enjoyer.762 I want a "can do it all"-rifle. Engaging at 400meters and CQB in one platform. I am aware that there are compromies have to be made.
LPVO is the way to go. You are almost as fast as a dot on the low power setting, especially with an illuminated reticle, but really have the ability to crank up the magnification for the longer shots. Also, I find the LPVO to be much more precise when it comes to shot placement.
Most competitive "open division" rifle shooters will use an LPVO (1-8x or 1-6x) AND an offset red dot to get the best of both worlds - they don't care so much about the optics weight since they won't be lugging it around anywhere outside the shooting range. For a designated marksman-type role or recreational rifle shooter, the LPVO is the obvious choice. For infantry, law enforcement, and civilians who will be carrying their rifle around a lot, and will rarely engage targets beyond 100-200 meters the red dot and magnifier combo is really good - the ability to just remove the magnifier from the rifle and put it in your backpack makes such a huge difference for those types of uses.
The environment also plays a role. The LPVO makes a lot more sense in a desert or open rural terrain. The red dot makes a lot more sense in an urban, heavily forested, or jungle environment.
I used to think optics with double pane glass (1 in front, and 1 in the back) were good, until I realized the anti-glare coating reflecting back into the user.
Now it's single pane glass option for me, such as Holosun or Eotech for me.
Unless I am shooting long range, then no such issues, because long range optics don't suffer from double pane anti-reflective coating issues.
I like both but prefer a red dot just like you said for 100 yards or less. I have a 1x6 LPVO that I am still not 100% confident with at anything above 3x because of the eye relief.
lol @ the atgm chillin in the background
Excellent topic, thank you!
Both, both is good: Scope with offset red dot.
Great video guys, thank you. I prefer the red dot because of faster target acquisition and it meets my need. It has the capability to engage targets up to 300 meters (perhaps not as efficiently as an LPVO); but with good marksmanship it is possible. I use Eotech lol.
Nice overview. Though if one is paying the extra to add a magnifier one could just buy the LVPO for around the same price.
You can “upgrade” to a magnifier down the line tho. You don’t have to get it right away. And then the magnifier can come off whenever & save weight
@@lgdurocher Plus it takes less time to change modes than to dial a zoom. Definitely something to consider.
@@caseymaloney3416 introduce an LPVO + offset red dot
@@EvilMendes I actually have a set up like that and really like it
The biggest thing I like about magnifiers is you can remove them far easier than an LPVO. Useful for a number of reasons. For more precision setups LPVOs are superior no doubt. But Vortex makes a 6X now in the size of a 3X and it weighs the same, a win win.
You always have good info.
I’m a red dot kind of guy for 90 percent of what I’m going to use an AR for. When it comes to the benefit of magnification, I’ll opt for a magnifier when it’s needed. I like the LPVO theoretically, but haven’t invested in one yet. It is a more versatile option for a higher magnification ability, so perhaps I see one in my future…Thanks for the video!
I'll say this. With a vortex strikefire 2 I was getting 5" groups at 100yds bench shooting. Got a vortex crossfire 1x4 and brought that to rounds touching at 100-standing! It's not that much slower but man my accuracy went up alot! My two cents for what it's worth
I've run Eotech with magnifier for many years but recently switched to LVPOs. As far as LVPO magnification is concerned I found that you really don't need anything more powerful than a 6x. I personally run the Vortex Viper PST 1-4X and find that's all I need for my needs. I run it on my PWS MK114 and so far it's been solid.
Have both with a offset red dot mount .
I found this somewhere that helped me decide to get a red dot + Magnifier.
Strictly close range gun(
I have both, one on a 45 offset. Cant go wrong with both.
Personal preference via experience, in the Red\Green Dot world (pistols) Holosun is about as best bang for the buck as you can get today.
I prefer a LPVO on my rifles, so there is several brands to choose from, since there has been an explosion of VOs in the last couple of years
Red dot + magnifier
Definitely do a video on the magnifier.
I bought my first ever LPVO. It will arrive this Saturday. I plan using in on a 50 Beowulf. I am curious to see if it will hold up. I am planning on buying a red dot for my 7.5 inch 300 AAC pistol. I am looking at the sig romeo 5. Finally, if I like the LPVO I bought, I just might get one for my 300 AAC rifle. This was helpful information.
I purchased an LPVO 10+ years ago. I like it but..... I rarely use it. I like 2X7 for Coyotes, 3x9 and higher for Gophers and small critters at distance. My Eotechs and Aimpoints get used the most for blasting/plinking and such.
You should look through a red dot before investing in one especially if you have astigmatism. I see a red oval multiple point star instead of a dot and I have astigmatism correction in my glasses. I don't have any problems looking through a scope but I have not tried one with an illuminated dot yet.
Yep. In my case, I found the green dot to be much clearer than the red, but scopes solve the problem.
Aimpoint PRO in factory mount and Aimpoint 3x magnifier in AD mount weighs just over 20 oz combined. Both are nearly indestructible and In my opinion you can't have a better combo for 0-300yds with longer range capability still available. If you want to shoot at longer ranges as a priority go LPVO especially if you don't mind dropping $1200+ on a nice one.
had many types of red dots some with magnifiers
LVPOs are so much better
please do a segment about cleaning different firearms and the tools needed
Thanks
Informative, thanks.
I like both on the same rife. Red dot at an 45° angle.
Great video, one of the best I've seen on the subject actually. I've tried to like LVPOs, but living in a heavily wooded and mountainous area with any realistic shot under 200y, I just don't find them to give me an advantage that makes up for the complexity, cost and weight. Even though I have astigmatism, I prefer red dots. Most important to me is battery life. With a modern good quality red dot, I just leave it turned on 24/7/365 and change the battery every presidential election. I also like the advantage that red dots give you when shooting from awkward positions.
I was hoping he would speak on battery life as that is another distinguishing factor between red dot and LPVO
Iron sights, good for all scenarios
I like LPVOs for target identification. So I don't use them much at extended ranges. An I also haven't found a FFP LPVO that has a reticle I like. The market loves floating etched reticles which rend to me tiny and hard for my eyes to pick up quickly on 1x.
So I still prefer red dots and Eotechs in many ways. Especially with the newer holosun gold dots as well as the new micro 3, 5, and 6x magnifiers. Plus with a magnifier you can possibly cowitness irons and, becomes most come with a qd mount, you can always take it off it toss it in a bag or pocket if need.
Have you looked through a Primary Arms LPVO with the ACSS reticle? It has a large horseshoe around the chevron for 1x shooting. Its very easy to pick up.
I choose neither!!
ACOG/ offset Rmr for the win!
4x Prism with offset Reddot for the win
Both. LPVO and an offset red dot
If you can see good the red dot are ok with the bigger targets but if you can’t see and need magnification to see the targets. I’ve been a scope guy for years hunting the dot are like open sights.
THANKS
It's all about application and use. If you will be mainly doing 100 to 200 yards, or less, a red dot. Consistent use exceeding 100 yards, LPVO.
So if you're mainly shooting 100 to 200 yards, red dot, but if you're mainly shooting over 100 yards, LPVO. Got it.
Red dot for speed and short distances. LPVO for mid distance and longer. One thing is you can carry a red dot magnifier on you and drop it on if needed. you don't have to rezero it like a sight.
can you do a video explaining the difference between a reflex sight/holographic/reflex sight ?
I have an aimpoint PRO, an Eotech and a LPVO and each have issues with me. I have astigmatism so the PRO looks like a supernova, the Eotech is fine to about 100 meters, except I have trouble fine-tuning it for precision. The LPVO is useful because the magnification allows me to see well enough to fine tune it. Now I am considering a QD magnifier for the Eotech and selling the PRO. I do like the long battery life of the PRO however.
I'm starting to have the opinion the ACOG is the best of both worlds, last year I built a new upper and decided to try the ACOG. It does take some getting use to, but I have found it to work very well at both close range and out to longer ranges like 200 or 300 yards. The price is really no different if you compare a high quality LPVO or a red dot with magnifier.
I tried to like the ACOG, but the eye relief and eye box is just terrible. Good luck getting a sight picture during any kind of non-traditional shooting positions. Piggybacking it with a micro red dot fixes a lot of this though.
I've heard that the 3.5x ACOGs have better eye relief.
Your videos a really helpful. Thanks.
Definitely they all have there place but most people can use a magnifier and rds and be happy
Next you should discuss prism scopes.
2 thoughts...
1) if you only have 1 rifle you can use "quality" QD mounts on both optics and have the best of both worlds.
2) Buy another rifle and set it up for what ever you don't have...
Both…. There. I said it. I got both and I love both for the given application.
Everyone have a great day!
For me, Waaay too much starburst ✨ with a red dot. Still too much diffusion with a prism optic.
LPVO - I'm home, perfect for me.
I'm interested in a magnifier video!
I like having multiple rifles with both red dots and lpvo’s. I like taking both to the range I get bored easily.
Just got a Vortex 1x4 for mine. Just need to sight it a bit more accurate than it is now. I’m liking that stand that you have the gun mounted to. What is it?
personally i use a red dot + magnifier combo as most times im using my weapon its short range but just incase something is a bit to far out to be accurate then ill have the magnifier as a back up option.
Lpvo over red dot+magnifier. The higher tier and newer lpvo’s are getting really good and clear, especially in coming close to a true but bright 1x for running and gunning. It’s the reason why the competition world has run them for years with the military now following suit.
The competition world uses it because they need multiple BDC points so they can score higher on paper. Red dots will always be faster and no with variable powered magnifiers as well as BDC red dots coming out LPVOs are getting a run for their money. Even on my 1-10 Vudu, I still use a 509T
@@picklerick9578 perhaps if they’re still running paper targets, but most competitions that have targets at range use steel targets. Bdc and holdovers don’t matter as much when all you need is to see the target which is within 300y, typically within 200y which is essentially POA=POI with at most 4 inches in between at a 50y zero.
Eotechs have long had bdc marks so if it were the case, LPVOs would’ve never gained notoriety as it has today. The dedicated system specializing in actual variable zoom will always be better in that specific application than a combo. Granted, if it’s just quickness, dots and holos will be quicker and it’ll take more work on the user to be faster. Hence why I referred more on illumination and clarity on being a true 1x. It wasn’t too long ago when a 1x scope was unheard of.
Additionally, Magnifier eyeboxes are notorious for being too tight. Given their weight when paired with a holo, it’s losing some brownie points. I’d recommend you try a solid SFP lpvo, run it for a bit and I’m guessing you’d like it too. The SFPs are highly favored over FFPs to get more eye relief and eye box for an ease of use when you want to use it like a dot.
I would love to see a video on magnifiers. I’m in the market for one for my holosun
I like the LPVO but I want a simple reticle with a red dot in the middle
I look at dot as more of a gamer defensive optic. The lpvo weighs a tad bit more and offers much versatility i.e hunting. you may also not need to have binos(more weight) with lvpo. The magifier has crappy eye relief and is dumb imo when you can go lvpo to begin with.
I switched all my sights to lpvos. Why? Astigmatism. Red dots were a blur because of my astigmatism. My lpvos with occular focus gives me a crystal clear sight picture. Plus the 1x is a true red dot and I get magnifier when I need it. Shop around guys. Like an idiot I spent a fortune on my first lpvos listening to the experts. Since I’ve bought 3 more, half the price and just as good if not better
It is literally impossible for an LPVO to have a true 1x.
@@picklerick9578 well I guess I’m the exception. Nothing is impossible. Have you personally looked through every lpvo on the market? If so, you may think otherwise. But whatever you say, not gonna argue over it
@@johnburrows1179 You don't need to look through every scope on the market. I'm not saying there's no such thing as optics that have 1x settings that can't get extremely close to 1x. What I'm saying is that it's photonically impossible. A magnified optic does just that, it magnifies. You're still "bending" light through lenses to have the focal plane of a 1x but it's not truly one 1x. That's common sense.
I want to see an LPVO on that rocker launcher in the safe :)!
I like a red dot on AKs and LPVOs on ARs.
It's 2022. You can have both now on 1 rifle now
Idk I am using mine for home defense I thought about adding a laser for quick acquisition and getting the lpvo so if the target is within ten 15 yards great. Than if the world goes belly up tomorrow I have a scope to hunt with.
Home defense or cqc competition, red dot. Anything else, lpvo
LPVO.
I want to like lpvo's so much, love what they do and how they look etc. But they eye relief and shadowing drives me crazy... My red dot is bright day or night, clear just need a magnifier... Although I haven't tried a good LPVO YET...
Some confusion exists from very basic concepts. I had a red laser on a pistol, showing it to a guy who had lots of guns, been pretty much in his world around the gun scene, he asked me where i got the red dot ?
Well, I was expecting the "it depends" answer but not so quickly.
I would argue that for weight and expense you might be better off using a red dot and magnifier combo
I'm looking at getting a variable power scope that maxes out around 10x for positive target id and piggyback mounting a micro dot for close quarters stuff. Is getting a 2.5-10x still a legit option in that situation? Seems like there's good quality options in that range for much less than 1-8x lpvos. If I've got the dot do I really need 1x on the scope?
A 10x scope is likely overkill for an AR-15, if that's what you're using. I use a 1-8x LPVO and I feel I could have went with a 1-6x and been totally fine with it.
🇺🇸
LPVO with top mount rmr…best of both worlds
I tried that and hated it. You have to raise your head up too high to use the dot on top of the scope which causes a loss of cheek weld. Accuracy suffers as does ergonomics.
@@JamesSmullins I’m not that worried about ergonomics since it’s mainly for night vision
@@Jtmorrison2000 in that scenario it makes sense, as a daily normal use is where it failed for me.
Lpvo with a fixed front sight just looks wrong. Good comparison though. Looking to set my rifles up with good optics and don't want to waste a ton of money on the wrong style.
I like my lpvo for my ar but on ak I prefer the red dot
I've got a dot + mag & lpvo
I love the dot set up but I'm away
Worried about EMP happening then losing my dot. I hit stuff out to
300 + yard with dot set up . LVPO
Just okay. I'm just gonna go back
To my Holosun515cm & htm3× mag
And hopefully no EMP. Better yet
Hopefully a EMP don't happen @ all
And the 🌎 can be @ peace. 😊
Thank u. 🇺🇸 2A 🇺🇸
Should have been LVPO Illuminated reticle, or Red Dot, or Red Dot and 3x flip up magnifier. Geoff Who has a 3-9x on one AR, Red Dot on another.
Can you make a video explaining MOA in red dot sights? Thank you 🇺🇸
What do you need explained? Like a 2 MOA red dot vs a 4 MOA red dot? Or zeroing and holds with a red dot?
Most of us are addicts. So i would say get both
Prefer LPVOs. Have them on all my ARs. 1-4, and two 1-8s. I also hunt, so they are more versatile and precise. 🤙🏼
lpvo wins but red is better for home defense inside home. less wieght quicker movement of rifle in less then ideal conditions, (off range in combat) 100 yards + LPVO every time.
Let's be honest. A solid 1x is good enough for what 90% of us do. That said, LPVOs are just to cool to not have one.
Just an at4 chillin in the safe
A vlpo might not need a battery or to be turned on while most but not all red dots take electrical power (not all but most don’t have tritium)
There are red dots and holographic optics with 5 year rated battery life.
I can't believe you didn't mention the greatest advantage of the red dot.. the lack of parallax error. When using a red dot it doesn't matter if you're aligned behind the sight as long you see the dot you're good to go it doesn't matter if the dot is centered or not. At least for the quality red dot sight, and doesn't matter how good optic is it's parallax free only at certain distance!