Versatile and easy to use, second focal plane (SFP) low power variable optics (LPVOs) are the preferred optic solution for AR15s and modern rifles. Filling the gap between red dots and precision riflescopes, SFP LPVOs are capable of close-quarters shooting and mid-range engagements with the simplicity of a reticle that maintains size at all magnifications.
Defined as having 1x low power with high-end magnification up to 10x, the most popular LPVO range has become 1-6x. Providing short-range speed and capable accuracy out to 500 yards, 1-6x LPVOs offer performance to match the needs of most civilians and professionals.
To meet the growing demand, optic manufacturers – like Swampfox – have begun offering feature-rich SFP LPVOs at budget-friendly prices. Below are the best 1-6x SFP LPVOs under $500 currently on the market.
SFP LPVOs Under $500
Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6x
Delivering more for less, the second-generation Swampfox Tomahawk II bucks the cliché of you get what you pay for. A generous eye box complements enhanced glass clarity for seamless magnification and quick target transitions with the new, blazing Bright Fiber Optic (BFO) reticle, available in red, green, amber, and blue illumination. Turrets have also been upgraded for precision and protection, featuring push/pull locking elevation with zero reset, capped windage, and 12-position illumination with intermittent off for shooting in any light condition. Continuing the legacy of our original riflescope, Tomahawk II exemplifies affordable quality optics.
MSRP: $429-449 / Shop Swampfox Tomahawk II
Vortex Venom 1-6x
Taking the good, better, best approach to optics, the Vortex Venom 1-6x offers entry-level tactical shooters a suitable starting point. Featuring capped elevation and windage and a six-position illumination turret with intermittent off, zoom with a removable throw lever and take aim with the familiar AR-BDC3 reticle from the Strike Eagle 1-6x. Glass-etched, the red illuminated reticle provides a 1 MOA center dot with broken horseshoe and MOA ranging.
MSRP: $450 / vortexoptics.com
SIG Sauer Tango-MSR 1-6x
While SIG Sauer may dominate U.S. military contracts, the Tango-MSR 1-6x is geared more toward the Average Joe than G.I. Joe. Like others on this list, the LPVO is built on a 30mm tube with 24mm objective lens. Both turrets are capped and the scope offers 11 brightness settings with intermittent off positions for illuminating a BDC6 reticle with red horseshoe. Available in black and coyote colors, the Tango-MSR ships with SIG’s Alpha MSR Mount – a $75 value.
MSRP: $340-360 / sigsauer.com
Burris RT-6 1-6x
Designed for 3-Gun competition and fun tactical shooting, the Burris RT-6 delivers speed and accuracy. The shortest and lightest of the group at 10.1” long and 17.4 oz., the compact LPVO offers quick, easy handling with a simplistic Ballistic 5X reticle. Also seen in their RT-5 5x prism, the reticle features an illuminated horseshoe and center dot with trajectory compensation out to 600 yards. Capped turrets and 11 brightness settings provide match-winning performance.
MSRP: $444/ burrisoptics.com
Swampfox Arrowhead 1-6x
The lowest magnification range of our flagship LPVO series, the Swampfox Arrowhead 1-6x is the perfect addition to any rifle quiver. The only optic of the group armed with push/pull locking elevation and windage turrets with zero reset, Arrowhead excels in short and long-range engagements thanks to its expansive field of view and sharp resolution. Three SFP Guerrilla Dot reticles cater to BDC, MOA, and MIL shooters with 12 intermittent brightness settings. Arrowhead is also offered in extended 1-8x and 1-10x variants, all under $500.
MSRP: $395 / Shop Swampfox Arrowhead
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x Gen IV
Offering optics fit for a wide range of applications and budgets, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x Gen IV is the latest iteration of their best-selling carbine scope. Like our Tomahawk II, the Gen IV LPVO utilizes optical fiber technology in an ACSS NOVA reticle with red illumination and MIL subtensions powered by 11 daylight bright settings – though without intermittent off. Low-profile elevation and windage turrets are capped for protection against accidental bumps.
MSRP: $340 / primaryarms.com
LPVO Comparison
While certainly not the only 1-6x SFP LPVOs on the market, these six riflescopes represent the best quality and features for shooters on a budget. Before spending your hard-earned money, review and compare key specs of each below.
Note: MSRPs taken directly from manufacturer websites. Pricing may be vary.
This article was last updated in March 2024.