LPVO for a PCP - good focus under 30yds? 10yds?

AntiRodentTaskForce said:

I have a PCP for pesting (think 30 yds, at most) and want to get more accurate than a red-dot allows. So I am shopping LPVO type scopes.

Pretty flexible on things like FFP/SFP (finding 90% of them to be SFP, parallax at 100yds), reticle (doesn't matter much to me)

Primary concern is close-focus ability, since this will be for a <30yds application. I realize that zeroing will dial things in, but don't want to make a purchase mistake if I can avoid it.

Are there any tips/recommendations, if I want good focus at close range? As in, no blurry image at 10yds or so.

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Have you thought od looking into a prism instead? I have a monstrum 4x prism that's damn good for the price and the clarity. Once I get my rear stock adapter I'll be putting it on my GK1 but it's shot well on my other guns. And 30yds is easy peasy

Thats a West Hunter WHT 3-12x44 SF IR, atop my Atomic XR. It does close focus to ten yards…

L.Leon said:

Thats a West Hunter WHT 3-12x44 SF IR, atop my Atomic XR. It does close focus to ten yards…

View attachment 465484

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Gen 1 or 2?

@JaceSpace1369, I believe a Gen 1…

L.Leon said:

@JaceSpace1369, I believe a Gen 1…

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Thanks, it looks like a vector veyron from how compact it is.

AntiRodentTaskForce said:

I have, yes. They're fixed-magnification, though, and I prefer the ability to zoom.

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Does that mean that you're only looking for FFP?

I don't use SFP scopes but I assume you have to zero in a lot of you're always changing the magnification, especially on an airgun.

If not then I'd recommend this one.


I picked it up as a consideration for my GK1 as well but I rather have the prism.

It has very clear glass, the reticle is a little on the thick side but it didn't bother me.

What is your budget?

What magnification range is acceptable?

I use a Stryka 1-6x24 on my pest rifle.

It has side focus & to my eye focuses to 9 yards at max power.

Reticle is illuminated but is only a thin duplex. I would much prefer a holdover reticle for the times I take it in the woods.

It is not great at 1x.

Delta Stryker and March 1-10 models exist with side parallax adjustment down to 10m, though neither would be considered very wallet friendly. Although it might be a bit annoying to lack a perfectly crisp image, at the low end (1-4x) most lpvos should be serviceable, even up close. This will be more difficult to quantify- other than saying go to a store and get behind a few if at all possible- but reticle selection will be important. At ranges that close, and debating between ffp/sfp, there may be reticles that completely obscure your target.

I forgot to mention that if for only daytime pests in my yard I could live without side focus. I do like SF for shooting indoors at 14 yards and/or the occasional longer shooting session.

I also prefer to have side focus so I have the option for a night vision clip-on.

If I wanted variable magnification in an LPVO & no need for NV, I'm sure I could get by with something adjusted to be parallax free at a closer distance.

AntiRodentTaskForce said:

I'm shopping used, because i don't care about cosmetics, only optical performance, accuracy, and durability

budget: $200 is comfortable, $300 at a stretch (including mount)
magnification: 1-4 at least, and would take 1-6 if I can get it.
features: don't care about bells and whistles, just want good glass for daytime. could take or leave illuminated reticle, side focus, etc

The leaders in my search are, so far:

• Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 (I'm finding these, again used, sub-$150 with the mount)
• Bushnell AR 1-4x24 (similar prices to the Crossfire II)
• Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 ($200 used, with mount)
• ... and "for a few dollars more" someone I know has a Vortex Viper PST 1-6x24, with mount for $300. Easily the best value, but IDK if I would I get an extra $150 enjoyment out of it

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I would add the Athlon 1-4.5x24 to your search. It occasionally pops up on Dvor for well under MSRP.

It is heavy but has side focus.

I would have tried on already but the short eye relief does not play nice with Leshiys.

AntiRodentTaskForce said:

I have a PCP for pesting (think 30 yds, at most) and want to get more accurate than a red-dot allows. So I am shopping LPVO type scopes.

Pretty flexible on things like FFP/SFP (finding 90% of them to be SFP, parallax at 100yds), reticle (doesn't matter much to me)

Primary concern is close-focus ability, since this will be for a <30yds application. I realize that zeroing will dial things in, but don't want to make a purchase mistake if I can avoid it.

Are there any tips/recommendations, if I want good focus at close range? As in, no blurry image at 10yds or so.

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This is the perfect scope for what you described. On sale now at cameraland.

I absolutely love mine I to wanted something more precise than a red dot but with similarly quick target acquisition. THIS IS IT.

Side parallax ( mine focuses downto 12 feet not yards feet , huge field of view, love the reticle for pesting/hunting . Check it out you will not be disappointed.

Don't worry about the 1-4.5 mag it plenty for 60 yards and in pellet gun hunting sfp reticent makes that possible.

AntiRodentTaskForce said:

.... I've heard only great things about it.

but I must wonder

An acquaintance has offered their barely-used Vortex Viper PST 1-6x24, for $150 less than an Athlon Helos (after adding in a mount) ... would the Vortex not be a better option, for me, if I'm spending 300 dollars +?

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I would be wondering the same thing. I just don't know. For sure I would be tempted to try the Vortex if it's a good deal & would be easy to sell if you found you needed a clearer image at the distances you use it.

Unfortunately I have no experience with either.

Two other bang for your buck LPVOs are the Burris RT6 & the similar Delta Hornet. I have seen good deals on both on the used market.

The March Shorty 1-10x dual reticle mentioned is an excellent scope. Focus is more to about 10 feet than 10 yards. But you gotta pay to play with that one.

I recently picked up the Discovery Optics HD 2-12x24SFIR based on another thread from a few months ago. Good close focus and only $180. I’m actually quite impressed for the price.

AntiRodentTaskForce said:

.... I've heard only great things about it.

but I must wonder

An acquaintance has offered their barely-used Vortex Viper PST 1-6x24, for $150 less than an Athlon Helos (after adding in a mount) ... would the Vortex not be a better option, for me, if I'm spending 300 dollars +?

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Yah, that looks like a good deal on the vortex. Have you had or will you get a chance to look thru it before you buy. It's hard to say what small airgun targets inside 30y will look like with a 100y parallax free scope.

If you are still searching check out recent reviews by C_DOES on youtube. He does fairly in depth reviews of a lot of scopes and has done many LPVO's recently.

Cainmos said:

If you are still searching check out recent reviews by C_DOES on youtube. He does fairly in depth reviews of a lot of scopes and has done many LPVO's recently.

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This is great advice!

Couple points to add:
That Athlon is a great option! First Focal Plane scope and might not be the best option on 1x. Not sure why they didnt make that Second Focal Plane, they would be cheaper and lighter and more clear.
Most decent LVPO dont really need a paralax adjustment even at closer ranges. I have a wonderful Leupold 1-4x that I can still see clearly across a bedroom, but works amazing outside. I just got a Vortex Viper PST 1-6x and can say it is also amazing but havent had a chance to actually use it yet. If it were me and my money I wouldnt consider anything less than a Leupold for an LVPO. You can get one for+/-$300 new, or cheaper used on fleebay or here in the classifieds. The Arken LVPO would be another great option but I have never looked through one in person.