If you could only have one AR, what type of optic would you mount on it?
As the title states, you have one AR to cover multiple roles. What type of optic would you select to be the most versatile?Your go to:Red dot with magnifierLPVOVariable magnification scopeOther
March 18, 2026, 03:29 PM
MikeGLI
LPVO and if you can only have one, it's an easy answer for me. If it's set up properly and the 1x is a true 1x, it can be shot VERY quickly on 1x.
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March 18, 2026, 05:35 PM
sigarmsp226
LPVO - (Low Power Variable Optic) SORRY guys I had to look this up as I am not a scope person.
March 18, 2026, 06:00 PM
pedropcola
If that is the criteria I think you kind of have to go with the 1-6 or 1-8. That being said I only have one of those and a bunch of dots so I voted different with my pocketbook.
March 18, 2026, 06:34 PM
stormin
Any reason you can’t have 1 AR, but more than 1 optic? LPVO if I had to only have one optic, but I’d also like a red dot to switch out to.
March 18, 2026, 10:18 PM
FenderBender
Holographic or 1x prism with a magnifier, astigmatism is a son of a bitch.
_____________________________________________ Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
March 18, 2026, 10:24 PM
parabellum
The LPVO is still functional with no batteries. The RDS is not.
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March 18, 2026, 11:17 PM
P220 Smudge
quote:
Originally posted by FenderBender: Holographic or 1x prism with a magnifier, astigmatism is a son of a bitch.
This for me.
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March 19, 2026, 09:10 AM
sigfreund
An LPVO is like a multitool we carry on our belt: It doesn’t perform any specific task as well as separate tools, but it does perform a multitude of tasks well enough and is always available. Years ago when I was in a situation that might reasonably have required anything from clearing a building to a 150+ yard engagement with no time or opportunity to retrieve a different rifle and optic, my choice was obvious: a 1-6× variable.
And yes, if we’re being serious about some of the scenarios discussed here and not just considering a for-fun Internet question, then things like batteries matter as well. In a genuine TEOTWAWKI situation, there will ultimately be a lot of people wishing they had iron sights or at least optical sights that did not require electricity to be useful.
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March 19, 2026, 03:15 PM
YooperSigs
LPVO with illuminated Reticle. Best all around optic.
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March 19, 2026, 03:27 PM
xmod
quote:
Originally posted by P220 Smudge:
quote:
Originally posted by FenderBender: Holographic or 1x prism with a magnifier, astigmatism is a son of a bitch.
This for me.
Same for me - this gets my vote.
March 22, 2026, 11:38 AM
pedropcola
What’s the best prism sight out there in you guys opinion. I have slight astigmatism. I still use red dots but I’m leaning towards an Eotech next.
March 22, 2026, 01:23 PM
Z06
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Z06,
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March 22, 2026, 01:43 PM
Butch 2340
quote:
LPVO
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March 22, 2026, 02:49 PM
patw
I would love an ACOG, mostly because I have never owned one. I have owned some nice optics prior but the cost of the ACOG has prevented me from justifying it for my needs and there are other optics that would serve me better like an LVPO type.
March 22, 2026, 06:12 PM
JoshNC
LPVOThis message has been edited. Last edited by: JoshNC,
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March 22, 2026, 10:06 PM
IndianaBoy
If I could only have one optic, it would be a good 1-6x LPVO.
My favorite within reasonable budget constraints is the Vortex Razor, but there are plenty of excellent options both more and less expensive.
I have a Burris RT6 that is also very serviceable.
March 22, 2026, 10:09 PM
FenderBender
quote:
Originally posted by pedropcola: What’s the best prism sight out there in you guys opinion. I have slight astigmatism. I still use red dots but I’m leaning towards an Eotech next.
ACOG or Elcan Spectre
_____________________________________________ Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
March 23, 2026, 08:37 AM
RogueJSK
A quality 1-6x or 1-8x LPVO with a true 1x and a "red dot bright" illuminated center dot is right about ideal for a "one rifle to do it all" setup.
However, for the average civilian AR owner who will use their rifle for range plinking and home defense, where longer range magnification isn't needed, a red dot (potentially with a magnifier if you want to add some capabilities) will do everything you need while saving on cost, weight, bulk, and complexity.
March 23, 2026, 11:47 AM
egregore
quote:
However, for the average civilian AR owner who will use their rifle for range plinking and home defense, where longer range magnification isn't needed, a red dot (potentially with a magnifier if you want to add some capabilities) will do everything you need while saving on cost, weight, bulk, and complexity.
That describes me.
I haven't (yet) tried a magnifier with the red dot, but I am finding an Aimpoint ACO satisfactory for those needs. I have a LPVO, too, but it seems to have little advantage at 50 yards and under.
Actual, but older (predating the Aimpoint), photo:
I don't think there would be room for the Aimpoint, a magnifier and the rear sight on that upper.
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