Gideon Optics Guardian 1-6x24 LPVO Review Big Performance Without the Big Price Tag

Every now and then a piece of gear comes along that reminds you why value still matters in this industry. Not everything needs to cost four figures to perform well, and the Guardian 1-6x24 SFP LPVO from Gideon Optics is a really solid example of that mindset done right.

I’ve been spending time behind the Guardian on a couple of .22 LR rifles, using them as training and fundamentals platforms, and the optic has honestly been a pleasure to run. It’s simple, clean, intuitive, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do without overcomplicating anything.

One of the biggest reasons I enjoy working with Gideon and supporting what they’re doing goes beyond the product itself, it’s the people. The Gideon team is deeply connected to the firearms industry and the shooting community as a whole. They don’t just design optics in isolation and hope shooters like them later. They actively bring prototypes to industry events, put them in people’s hands, and gather real-time feedback while products are still being developed. That approach shows in the Guardian. It feels like an optic built with actual shooters in mind, not just a spec sheet.

They’re also consistently showing up for the community in ways that matter, appearing on podcasts, collaborating on videos, supporting other creators and brands, and helping educate shooters on optics, setups, and general shooting topics that go well beyond their own product line. That kind of involvement builds trust, and it’s something I really respect.

As for the optic itself, the Guardian feels solid right out of the box. It’s built on a 30mm main tube with capped turrets that have a really nice tactile click. Adjustments are tool-less, which is something I always appreciate, no coins, no wrenches, just straightforward hand adjustments that make zeroing quick and painless.

The glass clarity is impressive for the price point, and the fiber-optic illuminated MOA center dot is genuinely daylight bright. The reticle stays clean and uncluttered, which makes it easy to use at 1× while still being effective as you move up to 6×. Field of view is excellent and forgiving, especially noticeable when working transitions or shooting steel.

Running this optic on .22 LR rifles has been a great test. Rimfire setups tend to expose weak eye boxes, poor turret feel, or overly busy reticles pretty quickly. The Guardian has handled all of that well. It’s easy to get behind, comfortable to shoot, and encourages more reps, which is exactly what you want from training gear.

Price is where the Guardian really shines. With a retail price around $299, it sits well below many comparable LPVOs that often land in the $500–$700 range or higher. While premium glass absolutely has its place, the Guardian delivers a level of performance that feels well above its cost and makes a lot of sense for shooters who want capability without overspending.

Another thing worth highlighting is Gideon’s trade-in program, which lets shooters send in older optics and receive credit toward a new one. That’s a smart, shooter-friendly way to help people upgrade gear without taking a major financial hit, and it’s something you don’t see very often in this space.

If you’re looking to save even more, you can use coupon code JAYWETH when picking one up. Between the price point, the trade-in option, and the overall performance, the value here is hard to ignore.

At the end of the day, the Guardian 1-6x24 LPVO feels like a reflection of how Gideon does business; practical, thoughtful, and community-driven. It’s a solid optic backed by a team that listens, shows up, and genuinely contributes to the industry.

That combination goes a long way.

Macbroz Approved.