| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Swampfox Tomahawk II 1-6×24 LPVO | Check Price |
I’m always on the search for affordable but quality gear. It was only a couple of years ago that I stumbled upon one of Swampfox’s dot sights and decided to test one out.
Looking back, I’m glad I did because I’ve since acquired several other offerings from Swampfox and have had good experiences with them all.
The Tomahawk II is the newest second focal plane (SFP) low power variable optic (LPVO) from Swampfox. It’s budget-friendly without sacrificing the quality and features we’ve come to expect.
Swampfox was nice enough to send us the Tomahawk II for review, but as always, we’ll keep our opinions honest and unbiased.
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We are fortunate enough to test and review guns and gear for a living, so we have plenty of alternatives to compare each product to. Lastly, we have a great team with diverse backgrounds to provide a well-rounded and educated discussion about any products we get our hands on.
Swampfox Tomahawk II Overview
The Tomahawk II is offered in 1-4x and 1-6x magnification, with either a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or BFO (Bright Fiber Optic) reticle. You can order either reticle in green or red, with the BFO also being offered in amber and blue.
I went with the 1-6x BFO in green and have been pleased with it. The 1-6x configuration is my go-to choice for LPVOs since it allows you to shoot close range almost as quickly as a simple red dot but lets you push out easily to a few hundred yards.
I rarely get to shoot out past 150-200 yards, so the Tomahawk II handled every distance I shot at perfectly.
What We Like About The Tomahawk II
The Tomahawk II has a lot to like, especially given the price point.
The 12 brightness settings allow you to shoot in bright daylight or darkness with night vision, which is a great option. The dot has been easy to see in daylight at higher settings, windage/elevation adjustments are simple, and I have been very pleased with the glass.
The field of view is wider than some other 1-6x LPVOs in this price range, so the LPVO delivers quite a bit of bang for your buck with all the features and specs.
We’ll go into more detail on some of these features later in the article.
Flaws and Potential Dealbreakers
There aren’t any dealbreakers necessarily, just a few things I would like to see changed or improved.
As I mentioned above, the adjustments are simple and easy to make; however, I wish there was more tactile feedback when adjusting the windage/elevation. Oddly enough, when you’re adjusting the brightness, it’s quite different in a positive way.
The only other somewhat of a “complaint” I have is the size of the illuminated dot. I may be the exception, but I would have liked it to be larger for an even quicker close-quarter target acquisition.
Who This Is For
This article is for those shooters looking for an affordable yet high-quality 1-6x SFP LPVO. If you’re looking for an FFP LPVO or any other magnification outside of 1-6x, we can recommend some, but this article won’t be for you…sorry!
If you want to read more about Swampfox’s FFP LPVO – The Warhorse, skip to the end.
How We Tested
I mounted the Tomahawk II on my M&P-15 and hit the range three different times with it. Twice indoors and once outdoors, at distances ranging from 15 yards to 100 yards.
With varying lighting conditions and distances, I had no problems with the light transmission from the Tomahawk II or being able to see the dot. I did have to put the brightness up to the top level during bright daylight, though.
The LPVO always stayed zeroed and performed well at various magnifications.
Where To Buy The Swampfox Tomahawk II LPVO
Specifications
| Magnification | 1-6x |
| Focal Plane | Second (SFP) |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Objective Lens | 24mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.39 Inches (1x) – 3.54 Inches (6x) |
| Field of View at 100 Yards | 120.43 Feet (1x) – 20.9 Feet (6x) |
| Reticle | Bright Fiber Optic |
| Reticle Color | Green |
| Brightness Settings | 12 Settings (2 Night Vision) |
| Construction | 6061 Aluminum |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Weight | 20.59 Ounces |
Pros & Cons
- Locking turret with zero stop
- Great optical clarity
- Throw-lever was included
- Night vision compatible illuminated reticle
- Affordable price tag
- IPX7-rated and impact-resistant
- Wide FOV
- No special tools are needed to adjust
- Tactile adjustment feedback could be better
- Not made in the USA
Features
Extremely Clear Multi-coated Lenses
My favorite feature by far is the high-quality glass that Swampfox uses. It is extremely clear and has an impressive 120’ FOV at 100 yards when magnified at 1x and 21’ at 6x.
As you can see in the photo below, there was minimal scope shadow, which I tend to complain about with many other LPVOs around this price.
Locking and Capped Turrets
One of the upgrades over the previous Tomahawk LPVO is the addition of the push/pull locking elevation turret with zero reset. The turret is very stiff at first, but after locking/unlocking it a few times, it loosened up.
The windage turret is capped, which I typically prefer since I don’t do much fast-moving target shooting or any hunting. I prefer to have it covered to avoid accidental adjustments.
12 Brightness Settings
Whether you run night vision or not, it’s nice to have the option to do so. The Tomahawk II features 12 brightness settings, two of which are night vision compatible.
The highest daylight-bright settings allow you to easily see your dot no matter how bright it is outside. I had no issues seeing the dot even in full daylight, but I did have to have it on the highest setting.
Accessories
Swampfox Hostile Engagement Mount
I wanted the ability to run a red dot at a 45° offset position, and Swampfox was nice enough to send me one of its Hostile Engagement Mounts as well.
It has built-in RMR footprint mounts at that exact 45° angle, which allows you to mount some of your favorite red dots directly.
The mount is constructed from 7075 aluminum and has a hardcoat oxidized finish. I can’t yet speak to its long-term durability and functionality, but I don’t have any reservations based on my time with it so far.
This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a well-built tactical mount that offers built-in 45° RMR mounts.
Alternatives
Swampfox Warhorse
If you like the 1-6x magnification but are looking for a first focal plane (FFP) LVPO, the Swampfox Warhorse is a good one to consider. We had the opportunity to test and review one several months back, and it is still getting constant use from the team regularly.
It’s built like a tank and offers either a Dragoon MIL or Dragoon MOA illuminated reticle. In addition, you’ll find a locking elevation turret and 12 brightness settings.
What really stood out to us was the build quality. We’ve knocked it around, dropped it accidentally, put several hundred rounds downrange with its help, and shot it in extreme weather conditions.
Through it all, it never skipped a beat.
Conclusion
It didn’t take long for me to decide that I liked the Tomahawk II. Since I don’t hunt or typically shoot further than 200 yards, a simple 1-6x SFP LPVO works well for me.
With its surprising optical clarity for the price, it’s hard to complain about much. Then, when you factor in that it is night vision compatible, has locking/capped turrets, and comes with so many “extras” in the box (throw lever, flip up lens covers, battery etc.), it’s a no-brainer in my book.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
What is your favorite SFP LPVO? Or do you prefer FFP LVPOs? Let us know in the comments!
