The Swampfox Optics Warhorse 1-6X LPVO: AR Optimized Scope

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Swampfox Optics has made their name by offering interesting and solid performing optics at a blue collar price. Their Warhorse 1-6x24mm Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) though, has the features and looks of a high-end optic. A really nice looking rifle scope, it is built on a 34mm tube and features a low profile finger adjustable elevation turret, capped windage turret and a rheostat to change illumination intensity settings. The design incorporates a First Focal Plane (FFP) illuminated reticle, so you can use it for ballistic compensation at any magnification setting. In the hands this is a really nice looking optical device which will appeal to marksmen looking for specific features. During my time reviewing the Warhorse test conditions ranged from 50 degrees to -10 degrees F in winter. During this time, I’ve noted things I really like about this scope and I couple I don’t. So, let’s jump right into it. Handling the scope I like the visible build quality. It’s an attractive optic the way the turrets are machined, how they are nicely marked, the design of the magnification zoom ring and quick focus diopter.

It’s built on an over-size 34mm main tube. Some will like this, although it adds size/weight to the design and requires a corresponding larger 34mm mount. It does allow the use of larger internal lenses though. Optical performance is solid. LPVOs tend to live or die on the basis of their 1x performance and here the Warhorse does well. 1x isn’t perfect, none of them are, but I had no issues running fast drills with both eyes open. Zoom the magnification up and the Warhorse has solid optical performance in the 3x to 6x range where most will use it much of the time. Color rendition is accurate, perhaps just a touch warm. Resolution is very good and I used this optic for observing out to 1,500 yards during testing. My review optic came with Swampfox Optics’ Etched Glass Dragoon MOA reticle. This features an illuminated center aiming dot surrounded by an illuminated horseshoe. Below this is a ballistic “tree” with 30 MOA of elevation holds as well as marks for windage/lead corrections. The reticle is simple, easy to understand and quick to use. The Christmas tree portion is not illuminated, which in my book is a plus. Regarding illumination, you have a total of 12 illumination settings with an off position between each one. Settings 1 and 2 are intended for use with night vision. At settings 11 and 12 intensity is bright enough to see/use on 1x even on snow.

If you prefer to dial in your adjustments, the elevation turret features nice audible and tactile .25 MOA clicks. The elevation turret locks in place by pushing it down. Pull it up to make adjustments. It provides 25 MOA per full turret revolution, but it lacks a turret revolution indicator. The windage turret is a low profile design and capped to protect it. In use, the fast focus ocular facilitated a clear image, the optic zeroed easily, and the magnification ring zoomed smoothly without excessive force being required. I found the image quality to be quite good, the reticle worked well, low light performance was good and I liked the turret design. On the downside, the optic is on the heavy side at 23.3 ounces and requires a 34mm mount. Some may not see the need for an uncapped elevation turret on a 1-6x scope with a ballistic reticle. It’s personal preference. Some will not like a FFP reticle on a 1-6x scope, as the etched reticle is very small and hard to see on 1x. The Warhorse’s illumination is bright enough to allow it to be used similar to a red dot. If your battery dies though, you lose that ability. All in all, Swampfox Optics’ Warhorse is a good looking 1-6x24mm LPVO with a host of nice features. Performance is solid and I experienced no issues with it. If you are looking for a LPVO with these specific features, this is one optic to consider. MSRP is $639 and Swampfox plans to extend the Warhorse line with a 1-8x and 1-10x in the future.

Swampfox Optics Warhorse Specs

• Magnification: 1-6X
• Tube Diameter: 34mm
• Objective Lens: 24mm
• Exit Pupil: 7.7-3.7mm
• Eye Relief: 3.4-3.5 in. 
• FOV @ 100 Yds.: 105 ft (1X), 16 ft (6X)
• Click Value: .25 MOA
• Total Elevation Adjustment: 150 MOA
• Total Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
• Lens Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated, Anti-fog, hydrophobic
• Illumination: 12 position with intermittent off
• Power: CR2032 battery
• Fast Focus Diopter: Yes, -2.5 to +2.5
• Length: 10 in. 
• Weight: 23.3 oz. 
• MSRP: $639
• Contact: Swampfox Optics

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