A 1-6x LPVO can give you a useful combination of a wide field of view at low magnification and additional magnification when you need a more detailed view at greater distances. Unlike a fixed-power optic, a 1-6x scope can be adjusted from 1x through 6x, making the magnification range one of the main reasons this format has become popular.
However, choosing a budget 1-6x LPVO involves more than looking at the magnification range. Reticle design, focal plane, field of view, eye relief, illumination, weight, and construction can all affect how practical an optic is for your particular application.
For this guide, we compared five widely available 1-6x LPVO models using their published specifications and manufacturer information. The models include the Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV, SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-6×24, Burris RT-6 1-6×24, Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24, and Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6×24.
The specifications below refer to the specific versions identified in this article. Manufacturers can update products or offer multiple reticle and SKU configurations, so verify the exact model before purchasing.
Quick Comparison Table
| LPVO | Magnification | Objective | Focal Plane | Reticle | Weight | Field of View @ 100 yd | Check Price |
| Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV | 1-6x | 24 mm | SFP | ACSS NOVA | 17.9 oz | 120-20 ft | |
| SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 | 1-6x | 24 mm | SFP | HELLFIRE FL-6 | 18.5 oz | 124.8-19.6 ft | |
| Burris RT-6 1-6×24 | 1-6x | 24 mm | SFP | Ballistic AR | 17.4 oz | 106-18.5 ft | |
| Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 | 1-6x | 24 mm | SFP | AR-BDC3 | 18.5 oz | 116.5-19.2 ft | |
| Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6×24 | 1-6x | 24 mm | SFP | Guerrilla Dot BDC / BFO | 20.3 oz | Manufacturer varies by reticle/model |
How We Evaluated These Products
We focused on specifications that can materially affect the usefulness of a 1-6x LPVO, including:
- Magnification range
- Objective lens size
- Field of view
- Eye relief
- Reticle design
- First or second focal plane
- Illumination
- Weight
- Tube diameter
- Adjustment range
- Construction and environmental protection
Product Reviews
1. Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV
Best For: A feature-rich budget 1-6x LPVO with an illuminated ACSS reticle
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV is designed around a 30mm tube and a 24mm objective lens. The current Gen IV model features an upgraded optical system, an integrated magnification throw lever, and the ACSS NOVA fiber-wire reticle.
Primary Arms lists the scope as a second focal plane optic with 1-6x magnification, 4 inches of eye relief, and a field of view ranging from 120 feet at 1x to 20 feet at 6x at 100 yards. Its published weight is 17.9 ounces, including the battery but excluding lens covers.
The ACSS NOVA version uses Red Dot Bright illumination and has 11 illumination settings. Primary Arms also lists 0.1 MIL adjustment clicks and more than 120 MOA of total elevation and windage adjustment.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- Second focal plane
- ACSS NOVA fiber-wire reticle
- 4 inches of eye relief
- 120-20 ft field of view at 100 yards
- 11 illumination settings
- 17.9-ounce published weight
- 30mm tube
- Integrated magnification throw lever
Why It May Be Suitable for a Budget 1-6x LPVO
The SLx Gen IV combines several features buyers commonly look for in this class, including a true 1-6x range, relatively low weight, 4 inches of eye relief, and an illuminated reticle.
The different ACSS reticle configurations are also important. Primary Arms offers versions calibrated for different cartridges, so buyers should select the exact reticle and SKU appropriate to their intended application rather than assuming every SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV has the same reticle.
Pros
- Broad 120-foot field of view at 1x
- 4 inches of eye relief
- Relatively light at 17.9 ounces
- Multiple reticle configurations available
- 11 illumination settings
- Integrated throw lever
Cons
- Second focal plane limits reticle-subtension accuracy to its calibrated magnification
2. SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-6×24
Best For: Buyers looking for a compact 1-6x LPVO with an illuminated reticle
The SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 is another second focal plane LPVO built around a 30mm tube and 24mm objective lens. SIG SAUER lists an 18.5-ounce weight and a 10.4-inch overall length for the scope.
Its HELLFIRE FL-6 reticle is illuminated, with 11 illumination settings. SIG SAUER also describes the scope as waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
The published field of view is 124.8 feet at 1x and 19.6 feet at 6x at 100 yards, while eye relief is listed as 3.93 inches at low magnification and 3.74 inches at high magnification.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- Second focal plane
- HELLFIRE FL-6 illuminated reticle
- 30mm tube
- 18.5-ounce weight
- 10.4-inch length
- 124.8-19.6 ft field of view at 100 yards
- 11 illumination settings
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction
Why It May Be Suitable for a Budget 1-6x LPVO
The TANGO-MSR offers a wide field of view at the low end of its magnification range while retaining 6x magnification at the top end. Its 18.5-ounce weight also keeps it within the range of relatively lightweight 1-6x optics.
One important consideration is that the standard TANGO-MSR scope is different from the newer TANGO-MSR Compact. SIG SAUER lists the Compact at 8.4 inches long and with a factory-installed mount, so buyers should verify the exact version before ordering.
Pros
- Wide published field of view at 1x
- Illuminated reticle
- 30mm tube
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof
- Relatively compact 10.4-inch length
Cons
- Second focal plane
3. Burris RT-6 1-6×24
Best For: Buyers who want a relatively lightweight 1-6x optic with a straightforward reticle
The Burris RT-6 1-6×24 is a second focal plane LPVO with a 30mm tube and 24mm objective lens. Burris lists the standard scope at 17.4 ounces and 10.3 inches long.
The published field of view ranges from 106 feet at 1x to 18.5 feet at 6x at 100 yards. Eye relief is listed as 3.3 inches at low magnification and 4 inches at high magnification.
The Ballistic AR reticle is designed with trajectory compensation references, while the scope uses ½-MOA elevation and windage turret graduations and has an 80-MOA total adjustment range.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane
- Ballistic AR reticle
- 17.4-ounce weight
- 10.3-inch length
- 106-18.5 ft field of view
- 3.3-4 inches of eye relief
- Fixed 100-yard parallax
- Waterproof, shockproof, fog-proof, nitrogen-filled construction
Why It May Be Suitable for a Budget 1-6x LPVO
The RT-6 is particularly notable for its relatively low published weight. At 17.4 ounces, it is slightly lighter than the other models in this comparison.
Its 1-6x range also gives it the basic versatility expected from this class of LPVO. Burris states that the RT-6 starts at a true 1x, while the Ballistic AR reticle provides trajectory-compensation references.
Pros
- 17.4-ounce published weight
- 1-6x magnification
- 4 inches of eye relief at high magnification
- Ballistic AR reticle
- Waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof
- Nitrogen-filled construction
Cons
- Narrower published field of view at 1x than some competitors
4. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24
Best For: Buyers looking for a well-established 1-6x LPVO design with a BDC-style reticle
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is a second focal plane LPVO using a 30mm tube and 24mm objective lens. Vortex’s published specifications list an 18.5-ounce weight, 10.5-inch length, and 3.5 inches of eye relief at maximum power.
The Strike Eagle uses the AR-BDC3 illuminated, glass-etched reticle. Vortex describes the reticle as providing ranging and holdover references, while the optic is fully multi-coated and designed to be waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
Vortex also explains that LPVOs generally start around 1x and may extend to 4x, 6x, 8x, or 10x, with 1-6x becoming a common configuration.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- AR-BDC3 reticle
- Second focal plane
- 30mm tube
- 18.5-ounce weight
- 10.5-inch length
- 3.5 inches of eye relief at maximum power
- 116.5-19.2 ft field of view at 100 yards
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
Why It May Be Suitable for a Budget 1-6x LPVO
The Strike Eagle combines the familiar 1-6x format with an illuminated BDC-style reticle and a relatively moderate weight. The AR-BDC3 reticle is designed around ranging and holdover references, which can make understanding the reticle an important part of evaluating this optic.
As with the other scopes here, the exact SKU should be checked before purchase because Vortex has multiple Strike Eagle models across different magnification ranges and generations.
Pros
- 1-6x magnification
- Illuminated AR-BDC3 reticle
- 30mm tube
- Moderate 18.5-ounce weight
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
- 10.5-inch length
Cons
- Second focal plane
5. Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6×24
Best For: Buyers interested in multiple illuminated reticle configurations
The Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6×24 is a second focal plane LPVO built around a compact 30mm tube. Swampfox lists a 20.3-ounce weight and 10.6-inch length for the 1-6x model.
The Tomahawk II is available with either a Guerrilla Dot BDC or Bright Fiber Optic reticle. Swampfox lists multiple illumination colors depending on the reticle, including red and green for the BDC version and red, green, amber, and blue options for the BFO version. Both reticle styles have 12 brightness settings, including two night-vision settings.
The scope also uses a push/pull locking elevation turret with zero reset and a capped windage turret. Swampfox states that the optic uses 6061 aluminum construction and fully multi-coated, anti-fog, hydrophobic lenses.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane
- Guerrilla Dot BDC or Bright Fiber Optic reticle
- 12 illumination settings
- 20.3-ounce weight
- 10.6-inch length
- 6061 aluminum construction
- Locking elevation turret
- Capped windage turret
Why It May Be Suitable for a Budget 1-6x LPVO
The Tomahawk II stands out for the number of reticle and illumination configurations available. This gives buyers more opportunity to choose an optic configuration that matches their intended application.
Its 20.3-ounce weight is higher than the Burris RT-6, Primary Arms SLx Gen IV, and SIG TANGO-MSR listed above, so weight may be worth considering if keeping the overall setup light is important.
Pros
- Multiple reticle options
- 12 illumination settings
- Multiple illumination colors depending on configuration
- Locking elevation turret
- 6061 aluminum construction
- 30mm tube
Cons
- Heavier than several alternatives in this comparison
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Budget 1-6x LPVO Scope
1. Magnification Range
The defining feature of a 1-6x LPVO is its variable magnification. At the low end, 1x is intended to provide a broad view, while 6x provides substantially more magnification for applications requiring greater detail.
The exact usefulness of 6x depends on the application, viewing conditions, and the rest of the optical system. More magnification is not automatically better if it makes the optic heavier or more difficult to use at low magnification.
2. Objective Lens Size
Most of the scopes in this comparison use a 24mm objective lens.
A 24mm objective helps keep a 1-6x LPVO relatively compact. However, objective diameter is only one factor affecting the amount of light reaching the eye. Lens coatings, glass quality, exit pupil, magnification, and viewing conditions also matter.
3. Field of View
Field of view tells you how much area you can see through the optic at a specified distance.
A wider field of view at 1x can make it easier to observe a larger area without moving the optic. The figures vary between these scopes, with the Primary Arms SLx Gen IV listed at 120 feet at 1x and the SIG TANGO-MSR at 124.8 feet at 1x.
4. Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the eyepiece while maintaining a usable image.
Longer eye relief can provide more flexibility in positioning your head behind the optic. However, published eye relief does not fully describe how forgiving an optic’s eye box will feel in practice.
5. Reticle Design
The reticle is one of the most important differences between LPVO models.
Some reticles use simple aiming points, while others incorporate ballistic references, ranging features, or moving-target leads. Primary Arms, for example, offers different SLx Gen IV reticles calibrated for different cartridges.
Choose the reticle based on how you expect to use the optic rather than simply choosing the most complicated design.
6. First vs. Second Focal Plane
All five models in this comparison are second focal plane optics.
With an SFP optic, the reticle stays the same apparent size as magnification changes. However, reticle subtensions are generally calibrated for a particular magnification, commonly the highest setting.
This can make SFP designs straightforward for applications where the reticle’s holdover references are primarily used at a known magnification.
7. Illumination
Illuminated reticles can make the central aiming point easier to distinguish under certain lighting conditions.
However, “illuminated” does not automatically mean that every reticle will appear equally bright in bright daylight. The number of brightness settings and the design of the illuminated portion are worth considering.
For example, the Primary Arms SLx Gen IV ACSS NOVA has 11 illumination settings, while the Swampfox Tomahawk II offers 12 settings depending on configuration.
8. Weight and Overall Length
An LPVO adds more hardware than a simple non-magnifying optic, so weight can become an important consideration.
The published weights in this comparison range from 17.4 ounces for the Burris RT-6 to 20.3 ounces for the Swampfox Tomahawk II.
A difference of a few ounces may matter depending on the complete setup and how it will be carried or used.
9. Construction and Weather Resistance
If an optic will be exposed to rain, humidity, dust, or changing temperatures, construction and environmental protection deserve attention.
Manufacturers describe several models here as waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. Burris, for example, lists the RT-6 as waterproof, shockproof, fog-proof, and nitrogen-filled, while SIG SAUER lists the TANGO-MSR as waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
10. Check the Exact SKU
This is especially important when shopping for an LPVO.
A product family may include different generations, reticles, colors, mounts, or cartridge-specific versions. The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV, for example, is available with different ACSS reticles, while SIG SAUER offers both the standard TANGO-MSR and a separate TANGO-MSR Compact.
Always compare the exact model number and specifications rather than relying only on the product family name.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a 1-6x LPVO?
A 1-6x LPVO is a low-power variable optic with a magnification range from 1x to 6x. The low end provides a broad field of view, while the 6x setting provides additional magnification for viewing greater detail. Vortex describes 1-6x as one of the common LPVO configurations.
2. Is a 1-6x LPVO better than a fixed-power scope?
Neither is automatically better. A 1-6x LPVO provides variable magnification, which can make it more flexible, while a fixed-power scope has a simpler optical design and does not require magnification adjustment. The better choice depends on the intended application, required magnification, weight, and budget.
3. Are budget 1-6x LPVO scopes second focal plane?
Many budget 1-6x LPVOs use second focal plane reticles, including all five models covered in this guide. With an SFP optic, the reticle remains the same apparent size as magnification changes, while its subtensions are generally calibrated for a specific magnification.
Conclusion
A budget 1-6x LPVO can offer a practical combination of low-power viewing and additional magnification without moving into the price range of many premium optics.
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6×24 Gen IV combines a 17.9-ounce weight, 4-inch eye relief, 120-foot field of view at 1x, and multiple illuminated ACSS reticle configurations.
The SIG SAUER TANGO-MSR 1-6×24 provides a particularly wide published 1x field of view and waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction.
The Burris RT-6 1-6×24 has the lowest published weight among the five models at 17.4 ounces, while offering a Ballistic AR reticle and 1-6x magnification.
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 combines an illuminated AR-BDC3 reticle with a 30mm tube and a relatively moderate 18.5-ounce weight.
The Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6×24 offers multiple illuminated reticle configurations and 12 brightness settings, although its published 20.3-ounce weight is higher than the other models in this comparison.
Ultimately, the most important considerations are the exact reticle, field of view, eye relief, illumination, weight, focal-plane design, and the specific SKU. Comparing those features against your own requirements is more useful than choosing an LPVO based solely on its magnification range. If your intended application involves an AR-15, our guide to the best scope for AR-15 can provide additional information about choosing an optic.