The Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO) market is a fiercely competitive arena within the firearms industry, sparking lively debates online. Optics companies, from high-end industry leaders to budget-focused startups, are all vying for a share of the LPVO market. Gunnr Optics, a newer player, offers 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x LPVOs at a budget-friendly price point.
I recently got my hands on the Gunnr Optics Odin 1-6x28mm FFP LPVO (MSRP $369.99) paired with a Sleipnir 34mm Mount for review. An affordable 1-6x optic featuring a 34mm tube and German Schott Extra-Low Dispersion Glass piqued my interest and warranted closer examination.
Gunnr’s packaging and presentation for both the Odin LPVO and Sleipnir Mount are impressive. The optic includes a rubber and clear plastic bikini cover, throw lever, hex key, battery, plastic tool, and lens cloth, all neatly tucked into a black-and-orange box with precision-cut foam. This level of care surpasses the packaging of some optics with MSRPs three times higher. The Sleipnir mount follows suit with similar packaging and includes Torx keys for both the rings and base of the mount.
First impressions: the Odin 1-6x is big. I expected some heft due to its 34mm tube, but its overall length of 11.7 inches was more surprising. For comparison, I placed the Odin side by side with a Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 1-6x LPVO and a Primary Arms PLx Compact 1-8x LPVO. The table below compares the specifications of these optics.
To put this comparison in perspective, nuance matters. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II and Primary Arms PLx Compact, used for comparison, have MSRPs double and triple that of the Gunnr Odin LPVO, respectively. Regarding weight, the Odin with its Sleipnir mount totals 30.8 ounces, slightly lighter than the Vortex Viper PST Gen II paired with an ADM Recon Mount at 31.1 ounces, rendering my initial weight concerns nullified. The Odin’s larger size comes with a trade-off: savings of over 50% compared to its closest peer, the Viper PST Gen II 1-6x—a deal many budget-conscious consumers would embrace in today’s economy. While the Odin’s size can felt awkward on my 14.5-inch Hodge Mod 1, it pairs seamlessly with large-frame ARs, such as the 16-iinch Aero Precision M5, and a longer setup like a 16” Geissele Super Duty where I mounted the optic.
The Gunnr Odin’s 34mm tube offers greater windage and elevation adjustments compared to other optics in this review. Its turrets provide some of the crispest tactile and audible feedback I’ve encountered, ensuring confident adjustments even when wearing gloves. The magnification adjustment is smooth with a “just right” level of resistance, whether using the provided throw lever or not. Additionally, the Odin 1-6x features locking turrets and a zero-stop function for enhanced precision.
The glass offers exceptional clarity from 2x to 6x magnification with excellent light transmission. However, like many budget LPVOs, it exhibits slight fish-eye distortion at 1x. As a result, I preferred using the throw lever to keep the magnification at 2x or higher to avoid this distortion. The reticle is most effective between 2x and 6x magnification.
Its illumination, while functional indoors and in low-light conditions, isn’t daylight-bright and washes out quickly in direct southern sunlight. The illumination’s weakness was most noticeable at 1x magnification and less of a problem at the higher magnification settings due to the optic’s first focal plane design. I kept the optic at its maximum illumination setting of 6 throughout testing, but it proved insufficient under bright outdoor conditions.
Overall, Gunnr Optics delivers a compelling LPVO lineup at an attractive price point. The Odin 1-6x, despite its larger size, is feature-rich and competitively priced. If their 1-10x LPVO matches the quality of this 1-6x, Gunnr could disrupt the sub-$1,000 LPVO market. Moving forward, I hope Gunnr enhances the reticle’s illumination brightness and considers offering a second focal plane (SFP) version of the 1-6x to improve usability at 1x.
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