#LPVO

Trijicon has a way of building what you might call the "desert island" rifle, the kind of rifle equipped with every capability at arm's reach. The rifle looks like a LWRCI IC-DI 14.7", stacked with optics and accessories that will get most people’s attention immediately. At the top of the upper, the Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 sits on a Trijicon Q-LOC mount, offering everything from close-quarters magnification to respectful distance work. The OASYS SkeetIR thermal retails at $14,499.00, and easily becomes the most expensive unit on the setup.

Welcome back to Front Line Friday. This week is a gear week, and the topic is optic selection for patrol rifles: red dot versus low power variable, zero distance, reticle choice in low light, and what actually survives being racked in and out of a car mount every shift. I know this can be a “religious” topic for some people, so I’m going to do my best to thread the needle.  Front Line Friday is brought to you by Dead Air Silencers, whose support keeps this column going every week.

ZeroTech Optics has introduced the Vengeance HD 1–10×28 FFP LPVO, a new addition to its Vengeance series aimed at shooters seeking a single optic for both close-range and extended-distance use.

Horus Vision has introduced the TREMOR7 reticle, now available in the HoVR 1-8x24mm LPVO riflescope, a configuration aimed at modern sporting rifles and dynamic shooting applications. The TREMOR7 builds on previous Horus reticle designs and is optimized for use in low-power variable optics. It is intended to support fast target engagement at close range while still offering the holdover and wind-calling capability needed for mid-range shooting.

Steiner Optics has introduced the new M10Xi 1-10x24, a premium low-power variable optic aimed at special forces and public safety units. With a true 1x low end and a full 10x top magnification, the M10Xi is designed to bridge close-quarters work and extended-range engagements in a single optic.

Coming out of Vortex's bag of surprises for 2026 is the new Vortex Strike Eagle 1-10x24 FFP riflescope. This new addition to Vortex's extremely popular budget line of LPVOs boasts a lot of the same features you’ll find on more expensive optics, but won’t come with the typical expensive LPVO price. This new offering will come in two different reticle options, new auto-off features to save your battery, and will be sold for a starting MSRP of just $699.

Vortex has announced the launch of the AMG 1-10x24 FFP riflescope, expanding its top-tier AMG lineup with a low-power variable optic designed for modern duty and tactical carbines. Built to meet demanding operational standards, the AMG 1-10x24 combines a wide magnification range with a compact footprint intended for short-barreled rifles and systems that require extensive rail-mounted accessories. The MSRP of $6,399.99 is not as compact.

In this review, we take a closer look at the new Kahles K18i-2 low power variable optic (LPVO), with a focus on practical shooting. Dynamic rifle shooting is a discipline that demands speed, precision, and adaptability. All at once, and under the pressure of getting the maximum out of yourself and your gear in as short a time as possible. Optics that don’t enhance your performance under these kinds of circumstances usually don’t stay on top competitors’ rifles for long.

You’re on the range and unbagging your brand-new rifle. The air is still, and the sun is high in the sky. You load and make ready. You aim, and with a press of the trigger, let the perfect shot off. The sweet smell of burnt gunpowder and gun oil enters the air, and the action cycles. For a moment, you’re satisfied with your rifle, until you begin to wonder if you made the right choice in optic type. The debate of a red dot and magnifier combo vs an LPVO has been had by many people, and to be honest, I’m not sure if I’m dedicated to one camp either. Let’s talk about some pros and cons, and why you might want to pick one over the other.

So you’ve got a modern sporting rifle, and you want to see what’s beyond that red dot or those iron sights? But you’re not really interested in spending a lot of money? It seems SIG Sauer’s got you covered with their new TANGO-MSR Compact riflescopes. Measuring just 8.4" long and weighing 14.5 oz, it’s ideal for your kind of rifle. I don’t really use red dots on any of my rifle caliber firearms; I keep the red dots for pistol caliber firearms, but the final judgment may depend on what the purpose of the rifle or carbine is.

Konus has added a new low-power variable optic (LPVO) to its lineup: the Sultan 1-10x24mm riflescope. Built around a 30mm tube, the Sultan offers a true 1x for close-quarters work and extends up to 10x for longer-range engagements. Could this be a new budget-friendly contender for general-purpose rifles?