Low Powered Variable Optics or LPVOs have evolved to the point that some of these mid- to short-range scopes are right on the edge of not being all that low powered. That’s good news for hunters and other shooters who want compact scopes capable of great performance up close and very personal to distances one wouldn’t have used an older LPVO at all.

LPVOs began life as stubby little 1-4x magnification models. Then, a couple of optics makers added 1-6x options … and the race started. Soon afterwards, 1-8x scopes hit the market, and now we have the 1-10x LPVOs.  

Leading this evolution is the new Credo HX 1-10x28 LPVO riflescope from Trijicon. A first focal plane optic, the Credo HX 1-10 is a rugged, high-performance scope perfect for stalking wild hogs in thick vegetation or taking that 300-yard shot at a trophy buck standing on the far end of a bean field. This newest entry to the Credo HX line boasts extremely clear images, precision .25 MOA adjustments, and a red/green illuminated reticle.

The Credo HX 1-10 does all this in an optic that is just slightly over 10 inches in length and weighs only 21 ounces. And it is just one of the many, many variable-powered scopes offered by Trijicon.

Many Features

Like all scopes in the Credo HX line, the 1-10 features an illuminated reticle that employs Trijicon's Bindon Aiming Concept to provide a clear aiming point which  draws in the shooter’s eye for fast engagement. The user-selectable LED brightness settings have an “off” in between each setting, with five brightness settings in Green and Red.

The scope sports an exposed Elevation Adjuster with Return to Zero feature and a capped windage turret. The precise windage/elevation adjusters require no tools.

The scope’s repositional magnification lever makes for quick and fluid magnification adjustments. The magnification ring has just the right amount of tension, too, spinning easily with the lever but not so easily as to change position without a firm push.

The HX 1-10 is built on a solid 34mm tube crafted from aircraft-grade 6064 aluminum. 

Not surprisingly, all these high-end features and capabilities also put the Credo HX 1-10 at a high-end price point.

GenII Platform

To test out this optic, I mounted the Credo HX 1-10 on my Ruger American Rifle GenII chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. I’ve used the rifle on a number of hunts, reviewed the rifle itself and used it for other optic reviews. I knew it would give the optic a solid and very accurate platform from which to test on the scope.

How accurate? In past shooting, I was able to place .50-MOA groups of three and four shots at 100 yards with the right 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.

Ruger took the original American Rifle and upgraded the platform substantially.  The GenII featured a new synthetic stock with adjustable length of pull via spacers, plus an adjustable comb height using replaceable snap-on components. I really like the look of the tricolor “Splatter Paint” finish on the stock, too.

The spiral fluted barrel was Cerakote finished, while the action sported an improved, three-lug stainless steel bolt with a smoother operation than past models. There was also a new, three-position tang safety with a bolt lock, and a picatinny type rail atop the receiver for an optic. 

For my ammunition, I selected Winchester (winchester.com) Deer Season XP in 6.5 Creedmoor, launching a 125-grain Extreme Point bullet. I had used this ammunition paired with the GenII very successfully on recent hunts and at the range. 

Zeroed In

At my outdoor range, and shooting off a rest, my first shots at 50 yards were approximately a foot low and 3 inches to the right. The controls on the Credo HX 1-10 walked the next four rounds right into the bullseye.

At my 100-yard lane, the first few shots required a bit of fine tuning for the new distance. Then it was time to see just how accurate a hunting rig I’d created with the Credo HX, the GenII and the Deer Season ammo.

Early results were disappointing, with my three-shot groups all over the target. Oh, I could see the bullseye just fine, the Credo HX set on 8x, the blue of the very center set off nicely by the orange encircling it. The colors were quite crisp, too.

But my initial rounds seemed to bounce around the bullseye itself, close but never touching. I was hurrying, I realized.

After a brief break, I took my time and started pegging three shots right around 1 inch. I then went for five shots and that first group came in at just over an inch. I spun the scope up to 10x, took several deep breaths and tried it again.

Five shots at .60 inches.    

 

Reticle

The reticle on my Credo HX was Trijicon’s Segmented Circle Enhanced Reticle. It  featured an illuminated segmented circle for fast, close-in shooting at low magnification (think: sounder of hogs at 30 yards, scattering at the first shot) and a fine illuminated cross dot for more extended shots. Sub-tensions for wind and bullet drop holds were set  at 2-MOA increments.

According to Trijicon, the reticle is based on one used in the U.S. Marine Corps Squad Common Optic variant of the Trijicon VCOG rifle scope.

I haven’t hunted with the Credo HX 1-10, yet, but will be soon. I do believe this reticle will be perfect for the afore-mentioned hog hunting. Long shots will be very doable given the clarity of the images and magnification range up to 10x.

Hunting Variables

The HX 1-10 is one of seven variable-powers in the Credo HX line, all of which are designed to handle tough hunting in any conditions. Offered in magnifications from 1-6 to 4-16, the Credo HX models offer rapid target acquisition from dawn to dusk with their high-quality lenses. 

In all, there are seven reticles to choose from in this lineup, including red and green illuminated options. Exposed elevation adjusters with zero stop allow for easy zeroing, and repositionable magnification levers are standard. 

As noted, Trijicon makes dozens of other variable-powered riflescopes, too. For the hunter, these include:

AccuPoint scopes, which Trijicon specifically engineered for hunters who want battery-free, tritium and fiber optic illumination that is always on. Like all Trijicon optics, AccuPoints feature crystal clear lenses for a brilliant sight picture and zero distortion. Available with eight reticle options and green, red, or amber illumination, the AccuPoints encompass nine different models, from 1-4x24 to 5-20x50.

With up to 100 MOA or 29 MRAD of adjustment, the AccuPoint riflescopes deliver ultra-durable construction with both-eyes-open shooting at any range. The newest models include the 3-18x50 and 4-24x50. 

Trijicon designed and constructed the Huron scopes exclusively for the North American deer hunter, and they feature high-quality glass and the same military-grade construction shooters expect from Trijicon. Available with three uncluttered reticles that deliver fast and accurate shots, the Huron riflescope is available in 1-4x24, 2.5-10x40, 3-9x40, and 3-12x40 variants. Tubes sizes are 30mm or 1-inch depending on the model.

Offering up to 100 MOA of adjustment, Huron riflescopes utilize low-capped, easy-to-use adjusters with .25-MOA clicks for consistent, snag-free elevation and windage adjustments that keep their zero. 

And for the longer-range hunter there are three models in the Tenmile HX line. Featuring four green or red illuminated reticles, the scopes are constructed with outstanding glass and sturdy 30mm tubes. Available in MOA and MRAD configurations. For 2024, Trijicon added a first focal plane version of the 5-25x50 model. 

Tactical Models

Your customer base includes tactical shooters? Trijicon has numerous variables for them, too.

Tactical shooters will find much to like in the Ascent line, made up of a 1-4x24 and a 3-12x40 options. Both feature a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) target hold, MOA-based reticle, and are both second focal plane builds. Tested to military standards and featuring low-capped adjusters with .25 MOA clicks, Ascent scopes feature fully multi-coated, broadband anti-reflective glass for excellent light transmission and brilliant edge-to-edge clarity. 

Built on aircraft-grade aluminum 30mm tubes and weighing less than 17.8 ounces, Ascent riflescopes sport both a matte finish and turrets with tactical knurling for responsive adjustments.  

Featuring user-selectable green or red LED illumination, Credo tactical riflescopes deliver any-light aiming and superior target acquisition from a ruggedly durable platform. A result of technology that’s been honed over decades of actual military deployments, the Credo line is available with 10 different illuminated reticles in various MOA, MRAD or BDC configurations. The eight Credo scope options range from 1-4x24 to 4-16x50 and are available in first or second focal plane reticles.

Trijicon introduced the Credo 1-10x28 at the 2024 SHOT Show and it quickly became the company’s top selling optic. 

Last, the Tenmile riflescopes are perfect for long-range shooting enthusiasts.  These optics are available in seven different illuminated reticle options in MRAD or MOA configurations. The six variable powers in this line range from 3-18x44 to 6-24x50 models, in first and second focal plane builds. The scopes sport tough 30mm and 34mm tubes. 

The Tenmile line has eight reticle options, and all are LED powered by a single CR2032 Lithium Battery. The scopes allow for up to 100 MOA or 29 MRAD of adjustment from crisp and precise adjusters.

Helping Its Dealers 

Trijicon doesn’t simply offer an impressive number of variable optics. The company works hard to help its dealers.

“Trijicon wants our retailers to be successful and we understand the value to consumers of having the chance to look through high-end optics in person,” said Joshua Lyall, Trijicon’s director of marketing. “So, we make every effort to drive traffic to our local dealer network.

“Trijicon supports our brand with an integrated marketing plan that includes print and digital advertising, TV advertising and sponsorship, social media marketing, and email marketing. We are always looking for additional ways to reach our target consumers to drive them to our local dealers to purchase Trijicon products.”

Trijicon optics are regularly featured in print articles, online reviews and videos. Recent print coverages include work in Field Ethos and Shooting Illustrated, while web platform work includes The Firearms Blog, Pew Pew Tactical, and Recoil Web.

Meanwhile, the Honest Outlaw, the Mrgunsngear Channel, and Pew Pew Nation and just a few of the dozens of video outlets regularly reviewing Trijicon tactical and hunting products.

“Many articles and videos focus on the incredible durability of Trijicon products that have resulted in our optics seeing more time in combat with U.S. military forces than any other optic,” Lyall noted.  

In Store

Brick-and-mortar retailers carrying Trijicon products can receive substantial support from the company, too.

“Trijicon is happy to provide sales staff training for new dealers,” said Lyall. “Training is also available through an online portal available only to brick-and-mortar dealers.”

These same dealers have access to the Trijicon Dealer Training and Rewards Tool, a sales incentive program which provides sales staff with the opportunity to earn points for selling Trijicon products; those points are redeemable for free product. 

“We also make available a number of sales aids to our dealers, from POP displays and merchandisers to marketing assets and sales tools,” Lyall noted. 

Trijicon regularly partners with key local dealers, too, to offer in-store events and promotions to help sell Trijicon products. 

Offering Trijicon 

For a retailer, Trijicon sells both direct and through distributors. 

Most major industry distributors carry Trijicon products, including Bill Hicks & Co.,  Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Crow Shooting Supply, Lipsey’s, Sports South and Zanders Sporting Goods.

The easiest way to become a Trijicon dealer? Visit Trijicon.com and fill out the “Become a Dealer” form found on the company’s Contact page. A Trijicon representative will follow up soon afterwards.