I have long been a user of rifle scopes from SIG SAUER. I have had a variety of their products over the years and it has always been a positive experience. Today I am bringing you another fresh look at one of their more recently released LPVO’s, the Tango MSR 1-10 Compact scope.

Low-power variable optics — LPVOs — have become increasingly popular for AR platform rifles. These rifles are often used at close range, but can also be called upon to engage targets out to several hundred yards. An LPVO offers a really useful combination of low (or zero) magnification for close-range shooting and medium magnification for more precise shot placement at distance.

The Tango-MSR line is positioned as a more affordable alternative to some of SIG’s higher-end riflescopes. While the Tango 6T can cost well over $1,000, their MSR family generally falls into a much more accessible price range. The Compact 1-10 is designed to give you a wide magnification range in a relatively small package.

The scope uses a 30mm main tube and a 24mm objective lens. SIG incorporates low-dispersion glass into its optical system to help maintain image quality across the magnification range. With ten-power magnification available, the scope offers more flexibility than a traditional 1-6 or 1-8 LPVO.

One of the more appealing features is the included ALPHA-MSR cantilever mount. The scope arrives mounted in place, with the throw lever and flip-up lens covers already installed. The polymer lens covers fold flat against the scope, reducing the likelihood of snagging them on equipment or breaking them during use.

The Tango MSR Compact uses SIG’s illuminated MSR BDC-10 reticle in the first focal plane. The illuminated horseshoe surrounds the center aiming point, and the reticle maintains its subtensions throughout the magnification range. Illumination is controlled by a rotary dial with six brightness settings and off positions between each setting. The system is powered by a CR2032 battery.

The scope measures 8.4 inches in length and weighs 26.5 ounces with the included mount. It offers more than 80 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment, with 44 MOA of adjustment per revolution. The turrets are capped, metal, and provide 1/4 MOA adjustments. The MSRP is $699.99.

When I first opened the box, I was pleased to find that SIG had included everything needed to get the scope mounted and ready for use. After a quick inspection, I headed outside to get a look through the glass.

The first thing I noticed was that the diopter required a little more adjustment than I was accustomed to. Once I removed the ocular lens cap and properly focused the reticle, however, the image looked good. I spent some time moving between 1X and 10X, evaluating the reticle at both ends of the magnification range.

At 1X, the reticle becomes quite fine, leaving the illuminated horseshoe as the most prominent feature. Combined with the illumination, it provides an experience that is somewhat similar to using a red dot sight, which worked great with 22’s.

The illumination was another interesting feature. At its highest setting, it was bright enough for daylight use, but I found that it also reflected against other portions of the reticle. This created a secondary illumination effect that I did not particularly care for. At lower settings, the illumination was much more agreeable. In low-light conditions, I would expect to use one of the lower settings anyway.

Over the following months, I used the Tango MSR Compact on several different rifles, including a couple of AR-15s and one of my rimfire rifles. This provided opportunities to evaluate the scope during different shooting sessions and under varying conditions.

Optical clarity was one area where I had some initial reservations. Once properly focused, the image was certainly usable, but I have other LPVOs that appear to offer a little more detail. The 24mm objective lens also limits light gathering compared to larger optics, although that is an expected compromise in this class of scope.

At 8X, the Tango MSR compares reasonably well with many of the 1-8 LPVOs I have used. In some cases, it may even offer a slight advantage. The additional magnification is useful when shooting at distances where target identification and precise shot placement become more important.

Of course, a 1-10 LPVO is not without its compromises. The field of view becomes quite narrow at maximum magnification, and eye relief can be somewhat sensitive. I would love an adjustable parallax system, but I know that is asking a lot. Most LPVOs have parallax set at approximately 100 yards, which can become a limitation when stretching the rifle out to longer distances.

The adjustments on the Tango MSR were straightforward and consistent. I had no issues with the turrets during my testing, and the reticle moved as expected when making adjustments during the zeroing process. The capped turrets are secure, but they can be accessed when corrections are needed.

I am not particularly fond of ballistic drop compensating reticles, mainly because their accuracy depends on ammunition, velocity, and atmospheric conditions. That said, the MSR BDC-10 can still be useful. Even if the holdover references do not correspond exactly to your ammunition, it is possible to establish your own distances and keep track of them. A reticle mark intended for 200 yards, for example, might correspond to 220 yards with a particular load.

The ten-power magnification also provides an advantage when shooting at distances of 300 or 400 yards with a carbine. More magnification can help with both aiming and observing the target. While the Tango MSR is not a dedicated precision riflescope, it offers a useful amount of additional capability for a general-purpose rifle.

Value is an important consideration with this optic. The Tango MSR Compact is considerably less expensive than some of the premium 1-10 LPVOs available today. There is certainly a difference in performance between a $600 scope and a $2,000 scope, but I would not expect them to compete equally.

The non-compact Tango MSR 1-10 is also available at a lower price, making it worth considering if the smaller footprint is not particularly important to you. However, the Compact version is appealing for those who want ten-power magnification without adding unnecessary bulk to their rifle.

There is a lot to like about the Tango MSR Compact 1-10. The wide magnification range provides versatility, the compact design keeps the overall package manageable, and the included mount adds value. The first focal plane reticle is useful, and the scope proved reliable throughout my testing.

On the other hand, the optical performance was slightly less than I had hoped for, and the illumination could use some refinement at its highest setting. The eye relief and narrow field of view at 10X are also worth considering.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to shooters today. I think the SIG SAUER Tango MSR Compact 1-10 will be a good choice for many people, particularly those who want additional magnification without spending a thousand dollars or more.

As I continue searching for my own ideal 1-10 LPVO, I am glad I had the opportunity to spend some time with this one. For a carbine that may be used at close range but occasionally needs to reach farther out, the Tango MSR Compact offers a useful combination of size, magnification, and value.

Specifications: SIG SAUER Tango-MSR Compact 1-10×24 LPVO

Magnification: 1–10×
Objective lens: 24mm
Focal Plane: First
Overall Length: 8.4 inches
Weight: 26.5 oz. with mount
Main tube diameter: 30mm
Reticle: Illuminated MSR BDC-10, 6 brightness settings
Turret adjustment: .25 MOA per click
Total elevation adjustment: 80 MOA
Total windage adjustment: 80 MOA
Adjustment per revolution: 44 MOA
Turrets: Capped
Mount: ALPHA-MSR aluminum cantilever mount included
Battery: CR2032
Made In: China
MSRP: $699.99