Advantages of LPVO For Hunters

This learning journey for us started in 2009 reading competition shooting expert Zak Smith’s Long Range Optics Update on his Demigod LLC website. Zak writes:

“How much magnification do you need? The answer is less than you might think. The scope needs to provide a clear image of the target for a well-defined sight picture. With good glass, a 12x scope is more than sufficient for 1000-yard shooting. To test the theory, I dialed down my 3-12×50 mm Schmidt & Bender scope to 4X and was able to make hits on a 36-inch target at 1300 yards. A lot of people think they need very high magnification to shoot at long range, however, as the magnification is increased, the field of view gets smaller and it is harder to find the target in the scope. Another problem at high power is that the size of the exit pupil shrinks, which makes eye position a lot more critical for a full view through the scope. A smaller exit pupil also makes it harder to track the target though recoil, which is how a shooter can spot his own bullet impacts. At the low end, dialing down the magnification makes it easier to find close and track moving targets, and provides a brighter image in low light… Recently, the Schmidt & Bender 3-12×50 mm PMII won the contract for the new USMC sniper scope.”

His writing made a strong impression. And if the U.S. government, which can afford the best, and has the expertise to choose the best, chose a 3-12X scope for USMC snipers over higher magnification scopes, that makes you think. Maybe more magnification isn’t always better.

Average Range for Successful Deer Hunts is Just 188 Yards
Statistics show that hunters are taking most deer at 188 yards. And there’s a general rule of magnification that we need 1X for every 100 yards to the target. This shows that 2X is both sufficient and ideal for hunting big game out to 188 yards. And a 1-6X LPVO provides more than enough magnification to reach out to 600 yards.

For these reasons, we feel hunters could benefit from switching to LPVO optics, which typically employ magnification ranges of 1-6X, 1-8X, or 1-10X. This post explores just some of the advantages of LPVO riflescopes with a particular emphasis on the benefits of 1X magnification. Here’s a list:

Greater Field of View

Wide field-of-view (FOV) is crucial for hunters because it allows them to better spot and acquire targets. In most hunting scenarios, a low quality LPVO will yield better hunting results than an expensive high magnification scope with a narrow FOV.

At 1X, Less Optical Distortion

With no magnification to distort the view, shooters can quickly align their scope with the target. This characteristic is particularly beneficial to hunters. During hunting, milliseconds can determine the outcome. The intuitive nature of a LPVO at 1X allows hunter to maintain both a clear picture of the target which can make all the difference in high-pressure situations.

LVPO Riflescopes Perform Better in Low Light

Low light performance is critical to hunting success. LPVO scopes offer better low-light performance than scopes with higher magnification simply because the light needs to pass though less glass.

Comfort and Precision at Close Ranges

A LVPO at 1X allows the shooter to engage targets within 100 yards with exceptional precision while still maintaining a clear sight picture. Unlike higher magnifications, which may introduce parallax error or distortion at close distances, a 1X scope provides a true representation of the target, improving the likelihood of successful engagement.

Weight and Compactness

Another practical benefit of LPVO riflescopes is their weight and compactness. They are easier to mount on a variety of firearms without significantly altering the balance and handling of the weapon. This reduces fatigue for the hunter, especially during long hours in the field.

All Other Variables Equal, LPVO Riflescopes Are Less Expensive
Although it’s still possible to spend $5000 on a LPVO, an LPVO optic will still be less expensive than a higher magnification optic of the same quality. Less expensive glass directly translates into saving money.

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