Choosing the Right Optic for the Right Condition: CQB Optics vs. LPVOs
Selecting the appropriate optic for your carbine can significantly enhance your shooting performance. Whether you’re navigating close-quarters combat or engaging targets at varying distances, the choice between CQB optics and LPVOs is crucial.
Dive into our overview comparison to understand the distinct advantages each option offers and discover how to optimize your firearm setup for different tactical scenarios. Keep reading to explore the benefits and ideal use cases for CQB optics and LPVOs, ensuring you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Speed to Target
When it comes to close-quarters battle (CQB) scenarios, speed is of the essence. CQB optics, such as holographic weapon sights (HWS), are engineered to provide rapid target acquisition, ensuring that the shooter can engage targets quickly and effectively.
As a non-magnified optic with an incredibly small aiming dot, it provides precision while enabling the shooter to maintain focus on the target without the distraction of altering magnification settings.
For example, in dynamic environments where targets may appear suddenly at close range, the HWS shines by enabling shooters to acquire and engage multiple targets with minimal delay.
Field of View
One of the defining characteristics of CQB optics, particularly holographic weapon sights (HWS), is their exceptional field of view. Unlike traditional optics with narrow circular windows, the HWS is designed with a wide rectangular window that significantly enhances peripheral vision. This design not only improves the shooter’s ability to see more of their surroundings but also plays a critical role in maintaining situational awareness in fast-paced, high-stress environments.
The wide field of view provided by the HWS encourages shooters to keep both eyes open. This method is particularly advantageous in close-quarters scenarios, where threats can emerge from any direction. By maintaining a full field of vision, the shooter can quickly assess their environment, identify potential threats, and engage targets more effectively.
Moreover, the large window of the HWS reduces the tunnel vision effect that can occur with smaller, circular optics. Instead of feeling confined to a narrow sight picture, the shooter experiences a more natural and expansive view, which can make a significant difference in speed-to-target acquisition. This expanded field of view allows for quicker transitions between targets and better tracking of moving targets, essential in dynamic tactical situations.
Reticle Options
The reticle options available in CQB optics, particularly within the Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) lineup, are designed to meet the diverse needs of shooters across a wide range of tactical scenarios.
The EXPS3 DCR (Danger Close Reticle) is the latest advancement in our line of elite-performance holographic weapon sights.
Add Magnification
A fixed power magnifier can also be added behind the HWS to extend its capability. Unlike red dots, the reticle of an HWS does not grow in size when viewed through a magnifier. The 1MOA aiming dot remains 1MOA while the target gets bigger, making the HWS much more accurate at distance.
When to Choose?
If the majority of your shooting is within 100 yards, the HWS should be considered over an LPVO. This will provide the greatest speed and versatility and a magnifier can always be added later for occasional medium range targeting.
Today, LPVO’s come in a variety of magnification ranges. From 1-4X all the way up to 1-10X, LPVO’s can offer a variety of advantages over a red dot or HWS.
Magnification
The biggest advantage an LPVO offers is extended magnification. The Vudu and Vudu X LPVO’s all offer at least 6X, providing excellent accuracy at medium to long distances. The magnification range allows the shooter to select the right magnification setting for each situation. At shorter distances like 200 or 300 yards, you may choose a medium power to maintain your field of view, while shooting at distances beyond 500 allows you to dial to max magnification.
True 1X
LPVO’s still offer a 1X solution. Although not as fast as an HWS because the shooter still needs to have the correct eye relief and head position, it does offer a fast solution for close or moving targets.
Tactical Turrets
With LPVO’s going as high as 10x magnification, one of the advantages are tactical turrets. These turrets allow the shooter to dial for elevation, providing precise shot placement at a variety of distances. High quality turrets allow for these changes and with a quick return back to zero, the original zero is maintained.
First Focal / Second Focal
LPVO’s are offered in both first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP). With FFP, the reticle grows in size consistent with the target. Here the sub-tensions of the reticle maintain their value throughout the magnification range. This is great for determining unknown target distances. With SFP, the reticle maintains its size across the magnification range, providing precise crosshairs throughout.
There are several reticle options to choose from in our Vudu lineup. Our New Vudu X has two reticle options, the BD1 and DP1.
Reticle Options
When to Choose?
If the majority of your shooting is beyond 100 yards, you should consider an LPVO. The 1X setting will work great for the limited work done within 100 yards, but the added magnification will help with accuracy at medium and longer distances.
