Optics remain the preserve of ever-escalating innovation. Whether new technologies are introduced in a multi-purpose riflescope, existing tech is miniaturized for a micro-red-dot sight to fit on a pistol or once prohibitively expensive equipment like thermal sights are made increasingly affordable, the world of tactical optics is always exciting. With nearly every new firearm able to accept an optic, chances are you’ll need a new one soon. Therefore, we present this compendium of new optics introduced in 2023.
Armasight | Contractor 640 2.3-9.2x35 Thermal Weapon Sight
The Contractor is built around the ArmaCORE 12 Micron Sensor and combines image processing, wireless-communication interface, GPS and internal memory in a single housing that significantly reduces size, weight and power consumption.
Magnification: 2.3-9.2X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: Eight-plus options
Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 28.3 ounces
MSRP: $5,499
(888) 504-2762: armasight.com
Armasight | Jockey 640 Compact Thermal Clip-On Sight
The Jockey 640 mounts in front of an existing day scope to give you thermal capability with no additional zeroing required and works with most optics with less than 5X magnification. The sight uses Armasight’s ArmaCORE 640 thermal core for a fast 60Hz frame rate. Its battery provides up to 4 hours of runtime at room temperature, and includes a quick-detach mount.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 2.4 inches
Weight: 13.6 ounces
MSRP: $4,099
(888) 504-2762: armasight.com
ATN | ThOR LTV Series
The LTV Series of thermal riflescopes comprise a full line of eight scopes of various magnification ranges and image resolution. The lightweight scopes, which mount with standard 30 mm rings, allow you to record video while offering good ergonomics and easy-to-learn controls.
Magnification: 3-9X (other options available)
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: Six standard patterns
Length: 11.5 inches
Weight: 22.4 ounces
MSRP: $2,995
(305) 900-6841 atncorp.com
ATN | X-Sight 5 LRF Day/Night Scope
The X-Sight Gen 5 Series 5 Ultra HD 4K+ Smart Day/Night scope brings an upgraded sensor claimed to offer by far the highest resolution on the market. Features include one-shot zeroing, dual-stream video, an e-compass, smooth zoom, WiFi, day/night modes, a 3D gyroscope, a ballistic calculator and low power consumption. Four models are available.
Magnification: 5-25X
Objective Lens Diameter: 34 mm
Reticle: Six standard plus custom reticle creation
Length: 15.2 inches
Weight: 34 ounces
MSRP: $1,095
(305) 900-6841; atncorp.com
Burris | BTS35 V2 Thermal Model 300602
The S35V2 is a thermal riflescope, ruggedly built for use in harsh conditions. Its 35 mm, F1.0 lens offers clear and crisp high-resolution images, while app connectivity permits real-time streaming and photo-capture capability.
Magnification: 3.2-12X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: 10 options with choice of seven colors
Length: 11.5 inches
Weight: 30.6 ounces
MSRP: $3,000
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com
Burris | XTR PRO Model 20212
Featuring an illuminated red or green SCR 2 MIL reticle, the Burris XTR Pro promises to elevate your long-distance-shooting game. It utilizes a larger 63.5 mm objective lens, boasts premium ED glass, improved anti-reflective lens coatings and up to 29 mils of elevation adjustment.
Magnification: 5.5-30X
Objective Lens Diameter: 63.5 mm
Reticle: SCR 2 MIL
Length: 15.4 inches
Weight: 30.6 ounces
MSRP: $2,640
(888) 440-0244 burrisoptics.com
Bushnell | Match Pro ED 15x56
The perfect pairing for Bushnell’s Match Pro ED riflescope, this binocular boasts high magnification combined with a rotating MRAD reticle, enabling a spotter to make precise adjustment calls for a shooter. The binocular features Bushnell’s BridgeSet system to keep the interpupillary distance fixed during rugged use, and sports ED glass for a crisp, clear image.
Magnification: 15X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: Shot-Call MRAD
Length: 8.6 inches
Weight: 52 ounces
MSRP: $700
(402) 437-6404; bushnell.com
Bushnell | Match Pro ED 5-30x56
This evolution of the Match Pro riflescope includes a 6X magnification range, a larger objective lens and ED glass coated with Bushnell’s proprietary EXO Barrier for added protection against the elements. It sports the company’s Easy Stop zero stop for easier adjustments in the field, and has an illuminated, auto-off, first-focal-plane, etched-glass reticle with 30 mils (103 MOA) of elevation range.
Magnification: 5-30X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: Illuminated Deploy MIL 2
Length: 15.4 inches
Weight: 31.3 ounces
MSRP: $700
(402) 437-6404; bushnell.com
Bushnell | RXM-300
Designed in conjunction with world champion shooter KC Eusebio, this competition-ready pistol reflex sight has a large, durable housing and comes with multiple mounts to enable it to attach to almost any firearm. It also boasts a shake-awake, auto-on feature and Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier to shed water off the lens.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 28x24 mm
Reticle: 4-MOA red dot
Length: 2.2 inches
Weight: 1.95 ounces (sight only)
MSRP: $300
(402) 437-6404; bushnell.com
Crimson Trace | Hardline 1-10x28
Higher-magnification low-power, variable optic scopes are all the rage, and the Hardline 1-10x28 mm offers an illuminated second-focal-plane reticle, a 34 mm main tube, IPX7 waterproof rating and zero-reset turrets. A fast-throw magnification lever and lens caps are also included, and an MOA version is also available.
Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: Illuminated TR1-MIL
Length: 10.9 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $480
(800) 442-2406; crimsontrace.com
Gideon Optics | Omega
Utilizing the popular RMR footprint to attach to a pistol’s slide, the large eyebox of the Omega from Gideon Optics makes finding the dot simple. Motion-activated illumination, intuitive power-level controls and 1-MOA click adjustments round out this affordable optic’s feature set.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 22.3x27 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red or green dot
Length: 1.77 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $220
(724) 636-0310; gideonoptics.com
German Precision Optics | Spectra Reflex Dot
With features like a black anodized-aluminum housing, a built-in motion sensor to power the optic on or off and an integral photo sensor to automatically adjust the brightness settings of its 3-MOA red dot, GPO’s initial entry into the reflex-sight market is sure to turn heads. So is its 40,000-hour runtime and affordable price.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: .87x.63 inches
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot
Length: 1.6 inches
Weight: .75 ounces
MSRP: $400
(844) 692-4667; gpo-usa.com
Hawke | 4x24 Prism Sight
With a glass-etched, bullet-drop-compensating reticle, auto-on and auto-off capability, an anti-reflection lens cover and two mounts, this versatile dot sight is a tremendous value. The BDC reticle sports an illuminated half-circle and center-dot along with hashmarks in 100-yard increments out to 600 yards.
Magnification: 4X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: 5.56 BDC Dot
Length: 3.7 inches
Weight: 7.8 ounces
MSRP: $389
(877) 429-5347; hawkeoptics.com
Hi-Lux | CMR8 1-8x24 LPVO
True 1X magnification at the low end combined with an 8X magnification range make the CMR8 a great choice for a carbine optic. Its second-focal-plane, Fiber Dot BDC reticle uses fiber optics to illuminate the center dot and has holdover marks out to 600 yards at 8X. The 30 mm main tube provides added durability, too.
Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Fiber Dot BDC
Length: 10.2 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $399
(310) 257-8142; hi-luxoptics.com
Holosun Technologies | HS507COMP
Ready for competition from the get-go, Holosun’s new HS507COMP features a large viewing window and a choice of reticle arrangements thanks to its Competition Reticle System (CRS). The 650nm Super Red LED offers up to 50,000 hours of battery life with a 1632 cell. It incorporates Shake Awake technology.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 1.1x.87 inches
Reticle: Red or green CRS, 2-MOA dot with 8-, 20- or 32-MOA circle
Length: 1.8 inches
Weight: 1.7 ounces
MSRP: $435
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com
Holosun Technologies | SCRS
Holosun’s Solar Charging Rifle Sight brings the company’s self-charging technology to long guns. The SCRS has multi-directional light sensors to automatically adjust dot brightness. The unit is fabricated from 7075 aluminum and includes a lower-third co-witness, 1.63-inch mount.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: .86 inches
Reticle: Green or red Multi-Reticle System (MRS), 65-MOA circle and 2-MOA dot
Length: 1.7 inches
Weight: 2.45 ounces
MSRP: $353
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com
Holosun Technologies | SCS 320
Designed for optics-ready SIG P320 pistols, the SCS 320 attaches directly, without adapter plates. The unit features the company’s solar-charging technology. Moreover, multi-directional light sensors automatically adjust the dot intensity to match conditions. (A manual override function is incorporated, too.) Battery life without solar charging is touted as being 20,000 hours, and with even moderate exposure to bright light, it’s possible batteries may never need replacing. Models specifically designed to mount directly to the Smith & Wesson M&P M2, Heckler & Koch VP9 and Walther CDP are also offered.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: .90x.63 inches
Reticle: Green Multi-Reticle System (MRS), 32 MOA circle and 2 MOA dot
Length: 1.85 inches
Weight: 1.35 inches
MSRP: $470
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com
iRayUSA | InfiRay Outdoor RICO PRO 640
In addition to offering multiple reticle options, the latest offering from iRayUSA features a patented dual field-of-view (FOV) objective, which allows users to switch seamlessly from a wide FOV for target detection and a narrow FOV for quick, intuitive, target identification.
Magnification: 1.5/3X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Multi
Length: 9.84 inches
Weight: 29.6 ounces
MSRP: $6,500
(800) 769-7125; irayusa.com
Kahles | K525i 5-25x56 DLR
The K525i 5-25x56 DLR is optimized for the fast nature of long-range shooting competitions. The scope features extended field-of-view, positive adjustment clicks, an extra-long throw lever and a side-focus parallax adjustment. There is also extra-large turret lettering for easy and fast reading, and it has a precise, illuminated SKMR4 reticle that’s located on the first focal plane.
Magnification: 5-25X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: SKMR4, SKMR
Length: 14.8 inches
Weight: 35.1 ounces
MSRP: $4,277
(800) 426-3089; kahles.at
Leupold | Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm
Practically indestructible and featuring magnification perfect for a variety of applications, Leupold’s latest addition to the Mark 5HD line offers a three-turn elevation dial with 30 mil-adjustment range, first-focal-plane reticle, zero-stop system to ensure a return to zero setting, a locking dial and compatibility with custom turrets.
Magnification: 2-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
Reticle: TMR, Illuminated TMR and PR1-MOA
Length: 11.2 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
MSRP: $2,000 to $2,500
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com
Leupold | BX-4 Range HD
With an ergonomic design and oversize eyepiece for comfort, the BX-4 Range HD has Leupold’s True Ballistic Range technology for accurate distance estimation along with water- and fog-resistance. It can also mount to a tripod for easier long-range spotting applications.
Magnification: 10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 5.9 inches
Weight: 39 ounces
MSRP: $1,600
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com
Liemke | Luchs-1
This high-definition thermal imager can be mounted ahead of a riflescope or used as a hand-held monocular. It offers heat signature detection out to 1,750 meters and has a rapid refresh rate of 50Hz. Intuitive to operate, the controls of the Luchs-1 make it easy to use. The Luchs-2, with a range of 2,500 meters, is also available.
Magnification: 1X (2X direct zoom available)
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 20.5 ounces
MSRP: $5,554
+49 75 626 189 472; liemke.com
Lucid | P8
The P8 is built around the latest developments in asymmetric lenses, polymer materials and ED glass and teams that up with high-end, phase-corrected, silver-coated prisms, resulting in a clear and powerful optic that punches above its weight. It has an illuminated reticle with sighting wedges as well as a precise center dot.
Magnification: 4X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: P7
Length: 3.4 inches
Weight: 8.4 ounces
MSRP: $599
(307) 463-2633; lucidoptics.com
Meopta | MeoSight IV
The new MeoSight IV MRDS is Meopta’s lightest at 1.2 ounces. A natural for defensive or competition pistols, features include a housing of aircraft-grade aluminum, manual- and automatic-activation modes, 120 MOA of both elevation and windage adjustment and up to 30,000 hours of battery life from a CR1632 3V battery. There are five levels of dot brightness.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 24x17 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA dot
Length: 1.89 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
MSRP: $299
(800) 828-8928; meoptasportsoptics.com
Meprolight | Tru-Vision
This mil-spec, ultra-durable dot sight takes up minimal space on a rail while maintaining a comfortable and quickly acquired sight picture. A built-in sensor allows for automatic brightness control, and the non-reflective viewing window ensures a clear view of the reticle. The dot is also invisible from the objective lens, making it ideal for nighttime use—as do the four night-vision reticle-brightness settings.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 29x20 mm
Reticle: 2-MOA red dot
Length: 2.8 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
MSRP: $530
(717) 985-4488; meprolight.com
Primary Arms | SLx 1-6 NOVA
This LPVO features Primary Arms’ new ACSS NOVA reticle, which is purpose-built to leverage a high-efficiency fiber-optic wire for bright illumination. It also has mil-based ranging capability and moving target leads, making it ideal for engaging targets from close quarters to long range.
Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: ACSS NOVA
Length: 10.4 inches
Weight: 17.9 ounces
MSRP: $340
(713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com
Primary Arms | SLx MD-25 Gen 2 w/ACSS
This multi-use red-dot sight boasts 10,000 to 25,000 hours of battery life. It also sports Primary Arms’ ACSS CQB reticle that features BDC marks out to 600 yards for 5.56 NATO or 7.62 NATO ammunition. The CQB horseshoe in the reticle approximates the spread pattern of 00 buckshot at 25 yards, making it ideal for use on a home-defense shotgun, too.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
Reticle: ACSS CQB
Length: 3 inches
Weight: 6.5 ounces
MSRP: $200
(713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com
Pulsar | Thermion Duo DXP50 Multispectral riflescope
WiFi-enabled and offering 16 GB of onboard storage for video and audio, this full-feature optic is both a thermal-imaging device and a standard daylight riflescope all in one unit. Detection of thermal signatures is possible out to 1,800 yards, and the scope is rated to IPX7 standards for water- and shock-resistance.
Magnification: 2-16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: 10 options
Length: 16.5 inches
Weight: 33.8 ounces
MSRP: $6,500
(817) 761-1771; pulsarnv.com
Riton | 5 TACTIX 1-10x24
The patent-pending Dual Throw Lever System of the 5 TACTIX 1-10x24 mm LPVO lets you easily switch between magnification levels, while the capped, zero-resettable turrets are adjustable in .1-MRAD increments. The scope also has six levels of red illumination, featuring on/off between each level. This first-focal-plane optic also has a “Christmas tree” reticle with windage and elevation information displayed directly through the eyepiece.
Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: 30T
Length: 11.25 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
MSRP: $959
(855) 397-4866; ritonoptics.com
Shield | AMS (Advanced Mini Sight)
The AMS is an enclosed-emitter optic that uses the ubiquitous Shield mounting footprint and can co-witness with standard-height iron sights, enabling it to be mounted to a wide range of factory-cut slides without the need for an plate or suppressor-height sights. The sight has side-accessible battery options, too.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 14.6x21.4 mm
Reticle: 4 switchable reticles
Length: 1.65 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
MSRP: $959
+44 (0)1297 678233; shieldsights.com
SIG Sauer | ROMEO-X Compact
Built from the ground-up to combine SIG Sauer’s experience developing red-dot optics for the military with its expertise designing EDC gear, this new line co-witnesses with standard-height pistol sights. Its aspherical lens is housed in a 7075 aluminum body for what promises to be outstanding durability.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 24 mm
Reticle: 2-MOA dot; 32-MOA circle
Length: 1.62 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $400
(603) 610-3000; sigsauer.com
SIG Sauer | ZULU6 HDX
These image-stabilized binoculars make spotting easier and more comfortable. HDX lenses provide exceptionally clear images, while SIG’s proprietary Optical Image Stabilization virtually eliminates shaking, allowing for tripod-free use. It is also available in 10x30 mm, 12x42 mm and 20x42 mm.
Magnification: 16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 7.08 inches
Weight: 21.9 ounces
MSRP: $1,430
(603) 610-3000; sigsauer.com
Sightmark | Wraith Mini Thermal
Offering a 1,400-yard detection range, five color palettes, 10 reticle styles, nine reticle colors and built-in video and audio capabilities, the newest addition to the Sightmark Wraith family has a ton of utility in a thermal optic. Battery life is claimed up to 4.4 hours on two CR123A batteries.
Magnification: 2-16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: Choice of 10 options
Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 19.3 ounces
MSRP: $1,999
(817) 383-1163; sightmark.com
Sightron | S-TAC 1-4.5x24 SR1
Sightron’s latest riflescope offers a new optical design touted to provide crisp, clear, sharp images throughout the magnification range. The ExacTrack erector tube system claims to provide consistent, reliable and repeatable adjustments. There is 100 MOA of elevation travel and 60 MOA of windage travel in .25-MOA clicks.
Magnification: 1-4.5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: SR1
Length: 10.3 inches
Weight: 20.8 ounces
MSRP: $499
(800) 867-7512; sightron.com
Steiner | MPS
Now offered in a new FDE finish, the Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) boasts a rugged, mil-spec design to bring welcome versatility to your EDC pistol. All-metal construction and enhanced sidewalls fully enclose the LED for improved reliability, while a recessed window with metal hood safeguards the front lens.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: .63x.83 inches
Reticle: 3.3-MOA red dot
Length: 2.17 inches
Weight: 2.05 ounces
MSRP: $575
(888) 550-6255; steiner-optics.com
Steiner | T6Xi
Designed in collaboration with Jon “Mochabear” Dufresne from Kinetic Consulting, the T6Xi 1-6x24 mm riflescope features an all-new KC-1 reticle, designed for quick target acquisition at 1X and the ability to deliver precision accuracy and positive identification of potential threats at greater distances.
Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: KC-1 MIL
Length: 10.4 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
MSRP: $1,955
(888) 550-6255; steiner-optics.com
Swampfox | Raider Micro Prism
While most consider a red-dot optic ideal for CQB, the Raider offers welcome versatility in the form of a Bullet Rise Compensation (BRC) reticle, which contains a central stadia line that subtends to either a 50- or 200-yard zero—allowing focus on close-range targets while providing for accuracy at extended ranges.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
Reticle: BRC red or green 6-MOA dot
Length: 2.91 inches
Weight: 7.7 ounces
MSRP: $279
(720) 389-6719; swampfoxoptics.com
Swampfox | Raider Warhorse
Designed for CQB use, the Swampfox Warhorse 1-6x24 mm FFP riflescope balances adaptability, precision and speed in a variable-power optic. It offers true 1X magnification for shooting with both eyes open and 6X zoom for engaging distant targets. A generous field-of-view makes it ideal for quick acquisition.
Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Dragoon FFP
Length: 10 inches
Weight: 23.3 ounces
MSRP: $639
(720) 389-6719; swampfoxoptics.com
Tract | TORIC 4-25x50 34 mm MRAD ELR FFP
With an industry-leading 47 mils of elevation adjustment for its glass-etched, illuminated MRAD reticle, this scope allows the shooter to dial in at ranges far beyond what was thought possible just a few years ago. It also boasts Tract’s Ultra High Definition optical system that utilizes Schott HT glass.
Magnification: 4-25X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Illuminated MRAD ELR
Length: 13.5 inches
Weight: 39 ounces
MSRP: $1,494
(631) 662-7354 tractoptics.com
Trijicon | 1.5x16s Compact ACOG-RTR .223
A fixed-magnification optic with a dual-illuminated reticle pattern, the latest ACOG can be used in any lighting conditions, thanks to both fiber optics and tritium. The fiber-optics channel ambient light, while the tritium provides its own glow, thus neither manner of illumination requires batteries.
Magnification: 1.5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 16 mm
Reticle: Rapid Target RTR .223 (BDC)
Length: 4 inches
Weight: 5.1 ounces
MSRP: $1,357
(800) 338-0563; trijicon.com
Viridian | RFX11
At just .44 ounce, the RFX11 is one of the lightest reflex sights on the market and uses the proven Shield/RMSc footprint. The green 3-MOA dot is easy to see, and the instant-activation, auto-shut-off, ambient-light sensor add to the value of this compact dot sight. The RFX11 is powered by one CR2032 battery.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 16x22 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA green dot
Length: 1.6 inches
Weigh: .44 ounces
MSRP: $189
(763) 479-4091; viridianweapontech.com
