LPVO Reticle: Which To Choose? [in 2023]

An optical device’s eyepiece needs reticles to achieve optimal functioning. Reticles come in different designs, but they all include fine lines or fibers to help with aiming.

With so many LPVO reticles on the market today, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Don’y worry, you’re in the right place.

Up Next: 1-6×24 Scopes

After we finish explaining the different type of reticles for LPVOs out there, we’d highly suggest you read our piece on 1-6×24 scopes where we recommend the top 1-6x LPVOs on the market.

LPVO Scope Reticles

The reticle design installed on your firearm significantly impacts its accuracy and overall efficiency. Here’s a comprehensive explanation of the different reticles featured in LPVO scopes:

Original Reticle

Most of the affordable LPVO scopes come featuring an original reticle design. 

Now, this design has proved effective for years and includes single horizontal and vertical crosshairs. The two fine lines’ meeting point defines your reticle’s aiming point. (1)

Duplex Reticle

Another popular reticle design found in hunting rifle scopes is the Duplex reticle. It’s an all-purpose reticle with thick crosshair posts that thin out towards the center. 

The LPVO duplex reticle is perfect for big game hunting or environments with dense vegetation where precision is critical.

BDC Reticle

BDC refers to Bullet Drop Compensation, and its design defines a ballistic reticle. The BDC reticle is a powerful tool capable of delivering a true point of aim by compensating for bullet drop. Using this scope guarantees more successful shooting attempts if you’re a long-range shooter.

As you can tell, the reticle includes several elements in its build. It may consist of circles, hash marks, or dots for distance marking placed on the 6 o’clock crosshair.

Mil Dot Reticle

Professional and experienced shooters prefer scopes with complex designs as they provide more control over the bullet’s trajectory. The Mil-Dot LPVO reticle is among these designs and features dots on all crosshairs. Each dot represents 1 Mrad, equal to 36 inches at 1000 yards or 3.6 inches at 100 yards.

Frankly, the Mil-Dot reticle is not popular among regular shooters since its design was specific for military engagements. However, the design allows the shooter to approximate bullet drop and target distance using a mil-dot. It’s the perfect LPVO scope for hunters, snipers, and extreme long-distance target shooters.

Illuminated Reticle

Most of the reticles found in LPVO scopes can be illuminated, from Duplex to BDC reticles. Center-illuminated reticles provide better accuracy by ensuring the fine lines remain visible in any lighting condition.

Etched Reticle

LPVO scopes also have etched reticles that involve laser cutting the grid lines into the glass. It’s a premium feature in high-end optics like NightFotce and Zeiss.

Many confuse glass-etched LPVO reticles for weak despite them proving extremely durable repeatedly. Damaging this reticle is practically impossible unless you destroy the glass itself. It would also help to note there’s another thin glass piece that layers the etched glass.

ACSS Reticle

ACSS stands for Advanced Combined Sighting System. Scopes featuring this reticle design incorporate a mix of accuracy-improving tools like auto-ranging stadia, moving target leads, and BDC.

Many shooters value ACSS for its superiority in tactical and long-range precision performance. The tools featured in the design play critical roles in ensuring you get the best attempt on your target. 

Manufacturers like Primary Arms Optics have LPVO scopes with ACSS reticles designed to level up your hunting game by including calibrated ranging tools.

Green Reticle

Instead of having fine lines on your scope’s eyepiece, you can consider dots to help with aiming. Most affordable scopes feature dots to help estimate your bullet’s trajectory. The dot can either be green or red, depending on your preference.

Green LPVO scope reticles provide better aiming since the human eye notices green faster and finds it more relaxing. It means green reticles offer less eye strain, improving your weapon handling.

Vortex LPVO Reticle

Vortex is a renowned firearms brand with hundreds of products in the market. Its long list of products includes various LPVO scopes with varying reticles, the bestseller being the Strike Eagle. (2)

Some key features of the scope include:

• True 1x
• Illuminated BDC3 reticle
• Optimized for rapid one-hand adjustments
• Features a magnification ring with a thread-in lower level

Primary Arms LPVO ACSS Reticle

Primary Arms is among the most reputable brands, guaranteeing high-quality firearm tools and accessories. Their classic series LPVO ACSS reticle scope is one of the brand’s bestsellers in their catalog, thanks to its unrivaled hunting performance.

Some of the key considerations when evaluating this potent scope include the following:

• A 6x second focal plane featuring a non-illuminated reticle perfect for hunting, plinking, or competition
• A ACSS 22LR design utilizing BDC correlated with wind holds and range estimation in one system
• Increased first-hit ration and reduced time on target when dealing with marks like cans, bottles, and range clays
• Low profile finger adjustable turrets to allow quick windage and elevation adjustments
• A 3-year manufacturer warranty covering defects from normal wear and tear, materials, or artistry

You must pay close attention to your weapons scope and reticle design to ensure you configure the best firearm. LPVO scopes are perfect for rifles; the good thing is you get several reticle designs.

For more reading, take a look at: 1-8 vs 1-6 LPVO optics.

References

1. Merriam Webster, reticle. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/reticle
2. Vortex Nation, Making sense of magnified optics on a tactical carbine part 1. Retrieved from https://vortexoptics.com/blog/making-sense-of-magnified-optics-on-a-tactical-carbine-part-1.html