LPVO, also known as variable power optics or slang for "chase scope", is a rifle scope with a small magnification range. It usually starts at a true magnification of 1x (no magnification) and by moving a lever or "zoom ring", the magnification of the riflescope is gradually increased until it reaches its upper limit. The upper limit of magnification of LPVO scopes can be, up to 10x (ten times).
Most LPVOs offer a magnification range of 1-4x or 1-6x. Although 8x and 10x scopes are becoming more common, many shooters prefer the maximum magnification setting of 6x or less. And the smaller zoom range is where its strength lies.
The LPVO offers a combination of speed and accuracy for both close and long range shooting. According to many reviews, these rifle scopes are ideal for ARs, various DMRs or similar rifles where you need them to perform equally well at short and long range. Many shooters use LPVO scopes for competition or practicing a defensive scenario.
You could say that LPVO is actually a compromise because it has the characteristics of both a reflex sight for close target acquisition and a magnifying rifle scope for shooting at more distant targets.

 

Sharpshooting: 
In the world of firearms, you can shoot at distances of, say, 400 or 500 yards using a quality gun and LPVO ammunition.

 

 

 

 

 

High magnification rifle scopes

Rifle scopes have a much longer tube than LPVO. As a result, they provide us with higher magnification possibilities. Most often they have a magnification range of 3-12x, 3-18x , 5-25x, 5-30x etc.  Here it is up to each of us to decide how high a zoom value we want. In our experience, 3-12 is perfectly sufficient for airsoft. Riflescopes with higher magnification values are for real guns, if we are talking about more expensive models, for example from Vector optics. 

 

Our Tip:
If you are deciding to buy a riflescope, we have created an article called Guide to choosing a riflescope. In it you will find all the most important parameters such as SFP,FFP, parallax etc.

 

 

 

 

 

Thermo / NVG

Thermal imaging (thermo) is a technology that allows you to see thermal radiation (infrared light) emitted by various objects. Thermal imaging can convert these temperature differences into a visible digital image, where warmer objects usually glow brighter than cooler ones.
In airsoft, thermal imaging is mainly used for night games because it allows you to see your opponents even in darkness, smoke or behind partial obstructions. Unlike night vision, which amplifies residual light, thermal imaging works in complete darkness without the need for a light.
In rifle scopes, this is a real gamechanger! 
Thermal imaging and night vision are used by true pros or enthusiasts and are considered the imaginary ceiling of airsoft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do I use to attach an otic / rifle scope to my gun?

The answer to this question would make for a separate article. Although nowadays manufacturers are trying to standardize gun mounts, but it is not possible in all cases. The three types of riflescope mounts most commonly encountered today are rings, solid mounts and then special mounts.

Mounting rings

Mounting rings are the most common way of mounting rifle scopes on an airsoft gun. Their advantage is lower price, large choice of variants (lower, medium, high). As well as solid they are produced in different diameters, the same as the outer diameters of the rifle scope tubes. The disadvantage with rings lies in their clamping, and in two points. If, for example, this mount is clamped on a body that is not perfectly straight, or the clamping mechanism is damaged, the riflescope will be thrown off. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The complete mount

Unlike rings, the integral type of mount is very popular with sharp shooters and the reason for this is that it is a single unit that has varying degrees of inclination. Further, the possibility of unevenness of the gun body/alloy no longer plays such an effect and in the case of loosening the screws on one ring, in most cases the shot will not break/minimally. The downside can be a higher price and sometimes a bit more weight. These mounts you will find in category mounts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special mountings for rifle scope / collimator mounting

These are mounts that are designed for specific types of guns. This is because some guns have special mounting mechanisms, such as the mosin nagant, K98 or typically airsoft SVD and AK. These old guns only use one specific type of rifle scope (fixed to the mount). To be able to put modern rifle scopes on these guns even today, special mounts are made, already containing RIS rails.