TFB Review: Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

Meprolight is a company long known for crafting 1x red dot optics for everything from the AR-15 platform to shotguns, traditional rifles, and more. In recent years, they have begun to produce handgun micro optics, which you may have noticed in the bevy of reviews we have been producing. Next on their checklist of quality glass is variable optics. Or, as Meprolight likes to call their riflescopes, “MVO” - Meprolight Variable Optic. So, today we are going to take a look at one of Meprolight’s LPVO (low powered variable optic) options - the Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD. Let’s dive in!

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Specifications - Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

The Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD optic that we are reviewing here today has a strong MSRP of $1,499. To substantiate that price point, it touts a broadband anti-reflection coating on all glass-to-air interfaces (exposed optical surfaces). It also has a durable Type II anodized tube with matte black finish. The rest of the important specifications that Meprolight is going to want you to know are listed below:

• Overall Length: 10.9”
• Overall Weight (w/ battery): 25.3 Oz
• Tube Diameter: 34mm
• Housing Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Magnification: 1-8x
• Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Objective Lens Diameter: 28mm
• Eye Relief: 3.7”
• Linear Field of View (Feet @ 100 Yds): 115 ½’ to 14.1’
• Parallax Control: Fixed @ 100 Yds

Something that isn’t often discussed by manufacturers is the failure point of an optic when it's out in Mother Nature. Being as I was raised as a hunter, first, and became a gun bro, second, in life, I know the importance of an optic surviving the Great Outdoors. Thankfully for us, the MVO 1-8x can be deployed in temps from -40°F to 160°F, which conforms to MIL-STD-810G. Additionally, it is rated for .338 Lapua Magnum if you happen to throw this riflescope on top of a thumper.

• Reticle: M1 MRAD, Etched Glass, Illuminated (Red and Green)
• Glass: Extra Low Dispersion (ED) & High Definition (HD) Schott Glass
• Turrets: Exposed, Adjustable with Tactical Locking and Zero Reset
• Windage and Elevation: 0.1 MRAD Click Adjustments
• Elevation Travel: 19 MRAD (Up) | 13.5 MRAD (Down) | 10 MRAD (per Revolution)
• Windage Travel: 7.5 MRAD (Left or Right) | 10 MRAD (per Revolution)
• Battery: CR2032 (Battery Loaded under Left Turret)
• Brightness Levels: 10 Red, 10 Green (2 NV Brightness Levels)
• Battery Life: ~600 Hours with 12-Hr Auto-Shutoff
• Water Resistance Coating: IPX-8

A Word from Meprolight on the MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

“MVO™ 1-8X28 is a highly sought-after choice for the AR15 platform and other comparable carbines designed for dynamic, fast-paced engagements at close to medium ranges. This scope features a versatile variable magnification, beginning at 1x for rapid target acquisition and moving up to higher magnifications for more precise shots at greater distances. Its adaptability makes it ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios, whether you’re on the move or in a stationary position. Known for its all-around capability, the LPVO is often regarded as the perfect general-purpose optic for those who require flexibility and performance across multiple ranges.

Featuring the M1 MIL Reticle, it is an MRAD Speed Ring reticle made for CQB to mid-range shooting. The M1 MIL Reticle provides a separated cross-hair for easy aiming. An illuminated CQB circle at lower magnifications allows users to quickly place shots by placing close range targets within the circle. At 1x magnification, the circle can be used similarly to a red dot sight for fast target acquisition. At distance, convenient shoulder-to-shoulder references quickly estimate range without cluttering the view of the target. Milliradian (MRAD) holdover stadia line aid users in distance compensation.”

What’s in the Box?

One of the most common and recurring questions I receive reviewing firearms is, “What’s in the box?” Meaning, what do you all get with your purchase. This is important because what you do and do not get will dictate what type of accessories you need to additionally buy depending on what you want your end-product or weapon system to look like. All this being said, this is everything that you will receive:

• Throw Lever Extension
• Flip-Style Lens Caps
• Lens Cleaning Cloth
• Owner’s Manual, Sticker, Padded Cardboard Box
• MVO 1-8x optic

***Rings not included***

What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30 Second Elevator Pitch?

The Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD is a higher tier model of riflescope as far as price goes with its MSRP benchmarked at $1,500. We already mentioned how this is an improved value over competing brands because of its durability, finish, and coatings, but why else should you consider getting this scope and topping off one of your rifles? Here are some additional points that Meprolight would like you to know about:

• High-Quality German Schott Glass w/ Multi-Coated Lenses for Less Glare & Reflection
• Low Aberration-Optimized Image Quality w/ 92% Light Transmittance
• Edge-to-Edge Sharpness, High Contrast & High-Resolution
• Red and Green Reticle Illumination with 12-hour Auto Shut-OFF
• Intuitive Lockable & Zero-Resettable Windage & Elevation Turrets; Serrated & Oversized for use with Gloves
• Detachable Throw Lever Extension for Fast Magnification Zoom

Reticle Subtensions – Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

Once my chosen rifle (Springfield Armory Saint Victor 5.56 NATO) and optic were properly married together, the first thing that is typically tested out at the range are the reticle subtensions. When we look at optics and their reticles in a retail store we make the assumption that if a manufacturer states their subtensions – or the little hashes on a reticle – equal a specific increment like 1 MRAD (Milliradian), that they do. It would be wonderful if that were true, but unfortunately, it is not true for all scope manufacturers. So, to test that, if you know the “size” that subtension and stadia lines should be in your reticle when looking at them, you can simply look at them at a known size target (one inch squares on paper, etc). If everything matches up like it's supposed, you’re good to go! That was exactly the case with the Meprolight MVO 1-8x.

Tracking – Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

The next test to ensure this optic is up to par is to verify it “tracks” correctly. What is meant by this is if you make an adjustment – either windage or elevation – by clicking a fixed amount on your turrets, that should actually pan out on paper. You never want to adjust your elevation say 3 MRAD and then an optic does not respond accordingly.

So, to test the tracking I shot a confirmation 5-shot group at 100 yards. Then, I adjusted 0.5 MRAD of elevation up and 0.5 MRAD of windage to the right. Next, I shot a second 5-shot group. Finally, I adjusted back to my original spot by moving 0.5 MRAD of elevation down and 0.5 MRAD of windage to the left. A 3rd and final 5-shot group were sent down range. After wandering down to my target to verify, the scope gave me all of the correct adjustment because I ended up exactly where I had started. It passed the test. I can also state that over the last month whenever I shot with the Meprolight MVO, the scope always responded accordingly (unless accuracy was diminished due to “user error”).

Parallax – Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

The next test I would normally put the Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD through would be to verify its parallax. The parallax of any scope is a very misunderstood property. Most people tend to believe your parallax knob (if a scope offers one; the MVO 1-8x does not) is there to make your image clear. This is an extremely rudimentary way of expressing what your parallax actually accomplishes.

The parallax of any scope is meant to get your reticle and the object you are looking at on the same focal plane. When this is achieved, yes, your image will look more clear, but once again that is an overly simplistic explanation for what is going on. Most parallax knobs will have yardage markers to indicate at what revolution point on the knob you should hopefully hit that “sweet spot” of your reticle and target being on the same focal plane. While the numbers are not always perfect, it's a good baseline.

To test your parallax, you can simply look at objects at varying distances, spin your parallax knob to the appropriate distance you are looking at, and if your image becomes crystal clear like one would hope – TA DA! – your parallax is working perfectly. With the MVO 1-8x, if you noticed in the spec listing, it has a parallax that is fixed for 100 yards. So, it should look clear at all distances because of the glass quality that is present, but it will look best while viewing and engaging targets at 100 yards.

Range Experience - Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

So, this riflescope - one of three that Meprolight offers - has already passed a host of tests: parallax, tracking, and subtension/stadia lines. What else are we looking for? For me, consistency is a big thing. I shot this optic fairly regularly for a month in varying conditions: cool, hot, dry, humid, bright sunlight, dusk, dawn, etc. Throughout those varying light conditions and varying degrees of humidity, the advertised German Schott glass was incredibly clear, which is exactly what one would hope.

Once my zero was established, it never wavered or deviated. This, too, is important for me and should be for everyone. Even with shooting different types of ammunition, I could still produce groups (of varying size) every time with the introduction of new ammo.

As far as the aesthetics of the scope, it is clean, no sharp edges, and dare I say original. A lot of times when a company new to a certain category of optics joins the fray, they end up copying or ripping someone else’s design off (even if it's nuanced). I’m no arbiter of optics, but to the best of my knowledge, this is original and very neatly designed and presented. The MVO is unique unto itself.

The only clever quip or point of criticism that I can offer is more of a personal preference of mine. The enlarged or extended (and optional) throw lever I did not care for at all. I don’t like big, gaudy throw levers on my scopes and my track record continues with this one. So, for 95% of this review, I ran with the smaller throw lever option.

Final Thoughts – Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD

So, what are my final thoughts on the Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD riflescope?… Overall, this riflescope will be expensive for many (even for my personal taste), but it does succeed in providing ample value for the price tag it is requesting. The German Schott glass is impeccable and I was able to lay down some of the tightest groups I have ever pushed through my Saint Victor 5.56 NATO probably because this is the most expensive optic I have ever put on it. Every test and metric I measured it by, it passed without fail. If you are looking to upgrade your riflescope to something on the $1K+ side of the equation, this is a great option.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Meprolight for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD riflescope. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD riflescope is something worth spending your money on? Would you throw one on a defensive carbine, or a hunting rifle? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Meprolight and the MVO 1-8x in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.