Red Dot vs LPVO

Published on March 31, 2020
Duration: 19:06

This video presents an experiment comparing the speed and effectiveness of Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs) versus red dot sights in various shooting drills. Conducted by experienced shooters, the experiment focuses on target acquisition times at close range and during transitions. The findings suggest that while red dots may offer a slight edge in raw speed for some, LPVOs, particularly at 1x magnification, can be nearly as fast and offer greater versatility for longer-range engagements.

Quick Summary

An experiment comparing a Vortex Viper 1-6x LPVO and a Sig Sauer Romeo4S red dot found that at 25 yards, single-shot acquisition times were nearly identical, around 0.81 seconds. LPVOs at 1x magnification proved nearly as fast as red dots for initial target acquisition and offered advantages for longer-range engagements.

Chapters

  1. 00:37Introduction: Red Dot vs LPVO Experiment
  2. 01:14Optics Used: Vortex Viper 1-6x vs Sig Romeo4S
  3. 01:41Drill 1: Single Shot Speed (Low Ready)
  4. 02:50Drill 1: Single Shot Speed (Strolling)
  5. 03:18Drill 2: High Ready Speed Test
  6. 04:03High Ready Technique Discussion
  7. 04:44Safety/Ergonomics Challenges
  8. 05:05Drill 1 Results & Analysis
  9. 05:21Optic Swap: LPVO vs Red Dot
  10. 05:49First Impressions: LPVO Feels Lighter
  11. 06:21LPVO Speed Potential
  12. 06:36Beating the Mark with LPVO
  13. 06:54LPVO Speed vs. Red Dot: Expert Opinion
  14. 07:23LPVO Speed Test Results
  15. 07:38Shooter Condition & Disadvantages
  16. 08:05Physical Attributes & Speed
  17. 08:28LPVO Speed Improvement
  18. 08:44Comparing 0.8s Times
  19. 08:55Fastest LPVO Time Achieved
  20. 09:02LPVO vs Red Dot Speed Debate
  21. 09:19Barrel Length Considerations
  22. 09:28High Ready Transition Drill Setup
  23. 09:39Transition Drill: Target to Target
  24. 09:45Transition Drill: LPVO Results
  25. 10:02Transition Drill: Red Dot Results
  26. 10:16Transition Drill Analysis: LPVO Advantage
  27. 11:03Switching Guns for Transition Drill
  28. 11:05Transition Drill: Red Dot on LPVO Gun
  29. 11:25Transition Drill Results: Red Dot Slower
  30. 11:34LPVO Field of View at 1x
  31. 11:45Optic and Mount Costs
  32. 12:03Eye Box Considerations
  33. 12:24LPVO for 3-Gun Competition
  34. 12:37Vortex Viper Solid Performance
  35. 13:03Ergonomics and Optic Alignment
  36. 13:14Shooter Preference for Rifle/Optic
  37. 13:23Drill 3: Short to Long Target Transition
  38. 13:34Target Distances: 10 Yards to 150 Yards
  39. 13:51Engaging Long Range at 1x
  40. 14:01Short to Long Transition: LPVO Results
  41. 14:24Short to Long Transition: Red Dot Results
  42. 14:56Short to Long Transition: LPVO Best Time
  43. 15:05Short to Long Transition: Red Dot Best Time
  44. 15:32Short to Long Transition: Final Comparison
  45. 15:42Choosing One Optic: The Dilemma
  46. 16:06Magnification Needs at Distance
  47. 16:27Frank Proctor's LPVO Philosophy
  48. 16:50No Single Right Answer
  49. 16:55Aimpoint T1/T2 as a Red Dot Choice
  50. 17:09Further Testing Needed
  51. 17:17Critique of NX8 Eye Box
  52. 17:26Vortex Viper Optic Legitimacy
  53. 17:45Final Thoughts: Red Dot vs LPVO
  54. 17:50Preference for Aimpoint Red Dots
  55. 18:03Time and Place for Both Optics
  56. 18:04CQB Optic Considerations
  57. 18:26Takeaways from the Experiment
  58. 18:40Experience Gap: Red Dots vs LPVOs
  59. 18:48Conclusion & Viewer Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an LPVO be as fast as a red dot sight for close-range shooting?

Yes, in this experiment, an LPVO set to 1x magnification achieved nearly identical single-shot acquisition times to a red dot sight at 25 yards. Both optics allowed for rapid target engagement from a low-ready position, suggesting that for close-quarters scenarios, the speed difference is often negligible with proper training.

What are the advantages of an LPVO over a red dot sight?

LPVOs offer variable magnification, allowing for more precise engagement of targets at longer distances (beyond 100-150 yards) where a red dot might struggle. They also provide a reticle that can be used for aiming even without illumination, offering a fallback if the battery dies.

What are the advantages of a red dot sight over an LPVO?

Red dot sights are typically lighter, have a wider field of view at 1x, and are generally simpler to operate, especially for beginners. They also boast significantly longer battery life, often measured in tens of thousands of hours, reducing the need for frequent battery changes.

Which optic is better for CQB: Red Dot or LPVO?

For pure Close Quarters Battle (CQB), red dot sights are often preferred due to their simplicity, wide field of view, and ease of use under stress. However, an LPVO at 1x magnification can also be very effective in CQB, offering the added benefit of being usable for slightly longer engagements without switching optics.

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