For gun owners interested in home defense, closer-range hunting, or close quarters work in general, there’s not much better than a good LPVO (low power variable optic). Of course, as with any optic, all LPVOs aren’t created equally. One name in the optic world that’s getting more attention as it’s improved and expanded its line is Riton (pronounced Right On, FYI). Years ago their glass was still a bit of a work in progress, but today their optics are the kind you ooh and ahh over right out of the box. Not only that, they’re not excessively priced. The Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24 LPVO is one of the latest offerings from the manufacturer, and it’s a winner. Here’s the details of what it does, how it works, and why it’s worth adding to your favorite CQB setup.
What’s the Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24?
The Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24 is an LPVO optic manufactured for versatility but with a leaning toward tactical applications. It’s designed for straightforward use and durability, the latter of which is really a must for optics. The last thing you want is glass that loses zero or gets damaged with normal use (if you beat your optic on the side of trees like it’s a baseball bat, that’s on you). This is one of the company’s high-end optics that’s made for precision at a variety of distances despite its technically being an LPVO.
What are the specifications of the Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24?
This is a slightly larger optic compared to some LPVOs, but not excessively so. It’s 11.25 inches long and weighs in at 1.6 pounds. That means yes, it does add some bulk to your rifle—it’s most noticeable on guns like my ultra-light AR-15s—but it’s not massive. Like most optics this one has a black finish.
The housing of this scope is made from aircraft grade aluminum, which is common for optics. The reason manufacturers use it is because it’s designed specifically for superior strength but lighter overall weight, all at a reasonable cost. It’s also resistant to corrosion and that’s a must for something that’s going to be in use for a long time and also spend time out in the elements. Riton assembles optics in an EP-level clean room to ensure the best possible results. This scope is waterproof, fog proof, and shock proof (it was tested at 1200 G’s).
On the more technical side of things, the Tactix 1-10×24 has parallax fixed at 100 yards, a 1-10 magnification range, and four inches of eye relief. It has a 30mm tube which tends to mean there’s a wide array of mount options. This is a first focal plane (FFP) scope which is preferable for closer-range work and making adjustments on the fly. That said, YMMV, because some shooters do prefer a second focal plane (SFP).
This is an illuminated optic and, even better, it has six brightness levels. Riton added an on-off between every level and while that might sound like a minute detail, it’s one that really is useful. Illumination is powered by a single CR2032 battery. The eyepiece is made for fast focus and the optic ships with a 14mm height throw lever and a flush mount for quick changes.
The optic has a 3OT reticle that can be used as a red dot or utilized for more precise adjustments. It has a 1/10 MRAD windage and elevation click value at 100 yards with an adjustment range of 40 MRAD. Turrets are capped and zero resettable.
How does the Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24 work?
Moving on to the fun stuff, check out how this optic actually works. Mounting and zeroing were straightforward and as expected for any scope. Sometimes I use a scope level for precision, but I admit I don’t do that often. Bottom line, there were no issues mounting the Tactix evenly and securely to my rifle.
Here’s what I really love about this optic: the awesome clarity. This glass provides a beautifully crisp, clear field of view at all magnifications. Even glassing objects at greater distances worked just fine without haziness or blurring. That said, I do prefer an LPVO like this one for 100 yards and in, but it’s certainly possible to reach beyond that. Some of that depends on your own eyes and some on the target you’re aiming for. But if you have, say, a 200 pound feral hog racing away from you and it’s passed 100 yards and is quickly reaching 250 yards—yes, you can still drop it with this optic. Can you get a decent sight picture past 300 yards? Yes, but things get hazy, so don’t expect the same level of precision the closer distances give you.
The included 14mm height throw lever works well, you just need to keep an eye on what you’re doing for precise magnification since it magnifies smoothly around with no way to specifically mark a range (also normal). As I mentioned before, 1 click of a turret is 1/10 MIL. Now, mushy or otherwise indistinct turrets are a big pet peeve of mine, so I’m thrilled with the clear clicks of these turrets. You can both hear and feel the adjustments so there’s no confusion about how far you’ve gone. That goes for the illumination turret, too; brightness adjustments are well-defined and obvious.
Zeroing only took four shots—something that’s nice especially when you’re dealing with pricier ammo like 6mm ARC or this 308 Win (what can I say, I still love 308 Win). The clarity of the glass not only did not disappoint but outperformed my expectations. It also stood up well to the various weather changes we get this time of year in Texas. Rain, hail, dust clouds, random humidity—spring is an interesting time for weather-related swings. The lenses on this optic are multi-coated and waterproof coated and handled damp days just fine.
Riton specifically notes that the Tactix is made with HD glass and performance coating to ensure better light transmission. Lots of manufacturers claim their scope gathers light well but they don’t all deliver, and I’m happy to report this one does. Light gathering at end of day when things get iffy with some scopes remained solid and that means this LPVO is a viable option for deer season. After all, the last thing you want is a scope that can’t handle it at all when natural light begins to fade. The Tactix 1-10×24 delivers light transmission that’s definitely superior to many models—some of which have even high price points.
As for how rugged the scope is, so far its withstood hard use. Although I try not to be brutal to my gear, I’m not exactly easy on it. That means scopes are knocking around in the safe or rifle case, getting bumped on trees and benches, and bouncing around in my truck. Through it all the Tactix has maintained zero (and I’ve had plenty of optics that can’t do that, one knock throws them entirely off).
This scope ships with flip-up covers on both ends, a lens wipe, and an Allen wrench. You can take the cover off the battery with any flat object such as a coin or flathead screwdriver. And if you don’t like the 14mm throw lever that’s included, you can also get your hands on an 11mm or 8mm from Riton.
Overall, this is a well-made optic that I’d say does outperform its price point. Whether you’re using it to engage targets at close quarters and want to reach out a few hundred yards, the Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24 can do it. You bring the skills and the scope will do the rest.
MSRP for the Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24 is set at $959.99.