2022
FOGHORN
September 2022 Twobirds Flying Publications
Brownells 1-6 x 24mm MPO Donut Reticle
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Brownells 1-6 x 24mm MPO Donut Reticle
touch that also works to ensure the included flip open scope cap stays in place.
By: Sal Palma
There is no scarcity of LPVO optics on the market so when Brownells launched the 1-6 x 24 Match Precision Optic at Shot Show 2022, they entered an already crowded space recognizing that the key to success is delivering a product of excellent quality at a competitive price point. Achieving that intersection is no easy task but the folks at Brownells pulled it off with the introduced of the 1-6 x 24 mm MPO with donut reticle. I’ll get to the donut reticle in a bit because it raises eyebrows, symptomatic of not understanding its function.
Magnification adjustment is smooth with no binding and facilitated by a throw lever that is icing on the cake.
Brownells had the 1-6 x 24 MPO assembled in Japan and its build quality is excellent. Optical clarity and brightness are as good as anything being offered at its price point, the multicoated lenses do a great job at light gathering, providing a sharp image with excellent contrast and color fidelity. Brownells offer the 1-6 x 24 LPVO in two variants scope only and scope plus cantilever mount at a slightly higher price point. Starting at the ocular, Brownells included serrations along its circumference so adjusting diopter is easily done even with gloves on; a nice
The 30 mm tube provides excellent light transmission and a very generous 40 MILS of wind and elevation adjustment in 0.1 MIL increments. The turrets are capped, large and
Copyright 2022, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
nicely serrated with excellent tactile. This LPVO is a MIL-MIL rifle scope. The general feel of this optic is robust with an overall quality that is outstanding; everything right down to its anodized finish is first rate. Now, let’s get to the donut reticle. The donut reticle traces its origins back to the Steyr Aug; if memory serves me, its optic was a Swarovski 1.5x with what was labeled “the donut of death.” A bit dramatic, but once zeroed at 25 meters you can reach out and touch someone up to 300 meters with the same hold. Succinctly stated it was a CQB combat site that leveraged the 5.56 bullet trajectory. The 5.56 NATO round has an “axe handle like” trajectory and at close range it is below the bore line then rising to its apogee peaking at 150-175 meters; then descending at 300 meters.
This is a second focal plane optic, so the reticle remains the same size through its 1x-6x magnification range. The donut reticle is fast but not intended for high precision shooting. it’s designed for rapid target acquisition and engagement. Once zeroed you keep the same hold out to 300 meters. Brownells implemented the donut reticle with some modification.
Once zeroed at 25 meters you can expect the following points of impact from a 20” barrel and 3300 fps muzzle velocity.
They added a tiny center dot that draws your eye to the center of the circle, they also changed the
Copyright 2022, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
ring thickness and added horizontal stadia to help you quickly correct weapon canting. Unlike the Steyer’s 1.5X, Brownells included an illuminated donut reticle powered by a CR2032 battery with 6 brightness settings and an off position between levels.
Final Thoughts Brownells has a longstanding reputation for bringing excellent products to market, their 1-6 x 24 MPO LPVO donut continues that tradition. During my evaluation, I observed no optical anomalies at any magnification, images were sharp edge-to-edge and color fidelity is exceptional. The LPVO’s build quality revealed no shortcuts taken. The included cantilever mount is solid and built like a tank, you won’t be losing zero under recoil like with some of the Chinese made mounts. The MPO 1-6X Rifle Scope with illuminated donut reticle, is a professional grade product at a consumer price point. At its under $500 retail price, you won’t find a better value proposition on the market.
-SP Manufacturer Specifications
At the range, Brownells LPVO performed well, elevation and wind adjustments were precise producing tight three shot groups. The turrets are capped so once you’re dialed in at 25 meters, you’re good to go.
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Battery: CR-2032 Click Value: 0.1 MIL Eye Relief: 3.50" Finish: Black Focal Plane: Second Illumination: Yes Length: 9.3" Max Magnification: 6x Min. Magnification: 1x Objective Size: 24mm Reticle: Donut Tube Size: 30mm Weight: 29.2 oz
The 1-6 x 24 MPO donut reticle is an outstanding choice for the 3-gun match shooters. I was able to rapidly acquire and engage my targets
Copyright 2022, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.