Optics remain a major focus of innovation, with new models boasting technological enhancements never before seen on consumer products, or tech that used to be available only for those able to fork over pallets of cash. The rapid acceptance of dot sights for carry handguns might be the biggest area of advancement for optics, but traditional scopes, carbine sights and thermal devices have also seen significant improvements and expansion this year. This roundup is sure to include an optic for your newest firearm purchase, or for that gun you’ve left naked. Whether you’re looking to outfit a rifle, pistol or shotgun for home defense, competition or just for fun at the range, and regardless of your budget, there’s something here for you.
Aimpoint | Acro P-1
Aimpoint’s new Acro is a departure from the norm for micro-reflex sights. A fully enclosed optic, it has been tested to 20,000 rounds on a .40 S&W-caliber handgun slide. Proven to stand up to extreme abuse, it is smaller than it looks and is a solid choice for an everyday-carry-pistol optic.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 20x20 mm
Reticle: 3.5-MOA red dot
Length: 1.9 inches
Weight: 2.1 ounces
MSRP: $660
(703) 263-9795; aimpoint.us
Burris | RT-8
Available in front-, rear- and dual-focal-plane models, the latest entry to the RT line combines fast target acquisition at close and intermediate ranges with 8X magnification and 600 yards of trajectory compensation. Three illuminated-reticle modes allow shooters to adapt to changing shooting conditions on the fly.
Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Ballistic AR, Ballistic Circle Dot, Ballistic CQ Mil
Length: 9.8 - 10.3 inches
Weight: 17.4 ounces
MSRP: $399
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com
Bushnell | SMRS II PRO
Using an all-new CQ-BDC reticle, the latest design in the Bushnell LPVO lineup provides an ideal optical pairing for today’s modern sporting rifles, allowing for easy shooting at close and mid ranges. Features include Bushnell’s EXO Barrier protective coating and a ThrowHammer lever.
Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: CQ-BDC
Length: 10.3 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $1,989.95
(800) 423-3537; bushnell.com
Crimson Trace | CTS-1400
A highlight of Crimson Trace’s new full line of optics, the CTS-1400 is designed for use on carbines and shotguns. It is rugged, minimalist and comes with the company’s signature free “Batteries for Life” program. The 3.25-MOA red dot has 10 levels of brightness, and it mounts to a standard Picatinny rail.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 33x22 mm
Reticle: 3.25-MOA red dot
Length: 2.3 inches
Weight: 2.9 ounces
MSRP: $499
(800) 442-2406; crimsontrace.com
EOTech | Vudu 1-8x24 mm SFP
With an illuminated, .5-MOA center red dot and magnification up to 8X, EOTech’s Vudu 1-8x24 mm SFP scope represents the “do-it-all” category pretty well. Close work is covered by the dot, while subtensions provide long-range aiming points.
Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: HC3-SFP
Length: 10.8 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces
MSRP: $1,399
(888) 368-4656; eotechinc.com
FLIR | Scion
The Scion is a thermal monocular ruggedly built for use in harsh environments. It quickly detects objects of interest in low-visibility conditions, helping keep you aware when others won’t be. A built-in microSD card slot allows capture of high-quality images.
Magnification: Digital zoom; 1X, 2X, 4X, 8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 14 mm, 18 mm or 25 mm
Reticle: None
Length: 9 inches
Weight: 16 ounces
MSRP: Starting at $2,495
(888) 959-2259; flir.com
German Precision Optics | Passion 4X 6-24x50 mm
Built on 30 mm aluminum tubes, the Passion 4X offers an excellent range of adjustment, a custom MOA ballistic reticle and custom Kenton turret for your caliber of choice. Ideal for long-range shooting, this riflescope features double HD glass and the propriety GPObright lens-coating technology.
Magnification: 6-24X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: MOA
Length: 15.4 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces
MSRP: $999.99
(844) 692-4667; gpo-usa.com
Hi-Lux Optics | Leatherwood ART M1000-PRO
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Jim Leatherwood’s legendary Automatic Ranging Trajectory (ART) scope, Hi-Lux has redesigned its ART M1000-PRO. The ART system’s general cam has been refined and improved in order to compensate the bullet drop of almost any caliber.
Magnification: 2-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
Reticle: HR1 MOA
Length: 12 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
MSRP: $515
(888) 445-8912; hi-luxoptics.com
Holosun | HE509T
Based on the company’s popular HS507C, the latest Holosun red-dot optic features a fully enclosed frame that enhances durability while also providing a clear sight picture. A single CR1632 battery powers the HE509T for up to 5 years, and the Advanced Solar Fail-Safe can run the unit indefinitely.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 16x23 mm
Reticle: 2-MOA dot; 32-MOA ring
Length: 1.85 inches
Weight: 2.78 ounces
MSRP: $470.58
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com
Kahles | Helia RD
Redesigned to help achieve an intuitive shot, the Helia RD features a unique “Anti-Reflexion” coating for clear visibility and a precise 2-MOA dot. It also comes with a Picatinny mount and four manual illumination settings with intelligent automatic switch-off.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 26x22 mm
Reticle: 2-MOA red dot
Length: 2.165 inches
Weight: 1.48 ounces
MSRP: $443
(800) 426-3089; kahles.at/us
Leupold | Freedom RDS BDC
Leupold’s newest red-dot sight sports a 1-MOA dot, a 34 mm main tube and an included mount specifically designed for use on modern sporting rifles. This purpose-built optic carries the nearly indestructible Leupold DNA throughout its construction.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 34 mm
Reticle: 1-MOA red dot
Length: 5.3 inches
Weight: 6.9 ounces
MSRP: $519.99
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com
Lucid | Litl Mo
Micro-red-dot sights (MRDS) for pistols are all the rage these days, and Lucid’s Litl Mo is an affordable option for those wishing to put a dot on their defensive handgun. Using the same footprint as the Burris FastFire MRDS, the Litl Mo will find a home on a good number of pre-cut slides.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 19x28 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA dot
Length: 1.75 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $349
(307) 463-2633; lucidoptics.com
Meopta | Optika6 5-30x56 mm
Part of the new Optika6 line, the 5-30x56 mm model features a 34 mm tube and ED glass, which, at higher magnification, eliminates chromatic aberration. It also features target turrets, multiple reticle options, one-piece tube design, zero-reset, a throw-lever-equipped zoom ring and rear-facing zoom display for easy viewing.
Magnification: 5-30X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: Multiple options, including Illuminated and DichroTech
Length: 14.3 inches
Weight: 25.8 ounces
MSRP: $899.95
(800) 828-8928; meoptasportsoptics.com
Meprolight | Foresight
The first augmented reflex sight on the market, the Foresight displays a reticle and useful data on a heads-up display similar to that found in military aircraft. Five reticle choices, a compass and a leveler can all be seen and used intuitively, and a light sensor automatically adjusts brightness.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 33x20 mm
Reticle: Five options
Length: 4.6 inches
Weight: 9.9 ounces
MSRP: $720
(833) 637-7654; meprolight.us
Minox | Micro RV 1
LED Technology leads the way for the Micro RV 1 with a battery life at medium brightness of up to 50,000 hours. Consisting of a high-strength aluminum housing, it is fully waterproof and comes with a neoprene protective cover. It also features 12 brightness levels.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 18 mm
Reticle: 2-MOA red dot
Length: 2.52 inches
Weight: 3.39 ounces
MSRP: $269
(210) 377-2527; minox.com
NcStar | VDFLIPGLOM2
Featuring the patented FlipDot folding red-dot reflex lens, the VDFLIPGLOM2 flips up with a simple push of a button, which automatically turns the optic on. When not in use, the lens will fold down flat and turn off. It also includes mounts for Glock MOS pistols.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 22x16 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot
Length: 2 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $109.99
(866) 627-8278; ncstar.com
Nightforce | ATACR 7-35x56 mm F2
New for 2019 is a second-focal-plane version of the extreme-long-range 7-35X scope Nightforce has offered in a first-focal-plane variant. Other than the focal plane, the ATACR 7-35X scope retains the same bombproof construction, large field-of-view and reproducible precision you’d expect in a Nightforce optic.
Magnification: 7-35X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: MOAR-T/MIL-C
Length: 16 inches
Weight: 39.3 ounces
MSRP: $3,100
(208) 476-9814; nightforceoptics.com
Riton Optics | RT-S Mod 7 1-8x28IR-T
Riton Optics designed the RT-S Mod 7 in conjunction with Navy SEAL sniper Charlie Melton. The scope features a first-focal-plane, illuminated reticle and a true 1X low-end, similar to a red-dot-style sight. It is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof.
Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: Riton Tactical Illuminated
Length: 10.9 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
MSRP: $1,299.99
(855) 397-4866; ritonoptics.com
Schmidt & Bender | 1-8x24 PM II ShortDot Dual CC
Incorporating a first-focal-plane, mil-dot-based reticle for accurate ranging and compensation for hold-offs, hold-under and hold-over, the 1-8x24 PM II ShortDot Dual CC is a technically advanced day scope. Offering adjustable-intensity illumination as well as lockable elevation and windage turrets, the PM II ShortDot is a versatile optic.
Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: MDR-T6
Length: 11.5 inches
Weight: 22.26 ounces
MSRP: $4,390
(770) 934-3384; schmidtundbender.de/en
Sightmark | Wraith HD 4-32x50 Digital Riflescope
Digital magnification out to 32X, 10 different reticle options with nine different colors and night-vision capability along with an IR illuminator are a few high points of the Sightmark Wraith digital riflescope. It runs on 4 AA batteries and can record and export video.
Magnification: 4-32X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: 10 options
Length: 10.5 inches
Weight: 36.3 ounces
MSRP: $599
(817) 225-0310; sightmark.com
Sightron | S-TAC4-20X50FFPZSIRMH
Designed for diverse tasks, the S-TAC4-20X50FFPZSIRMH features the new MH-4 reticle offering vertical and horizontal crosshair intersection. It also includes a zero stop, 22.9 MRAD of elevation adjustment, the ExacTrack windage- and elevation-adjustment system, multi-coated lenses and a flip-up lever on the magnification ring.
Magnification: 4-20X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: MH-4
Length: 15 inches
Weight: 25.6 ounces
MSRP: $999
(800) 867-7512; sightron.com
SIG Sauer | Romeo3MAX
Developed in collaboration with Max Michel, the Romeo3MAX features a 30 mm round lens for a wide field-of-view. The open reflex sight utilizes a red-notch filter to make its red dot clear and easy to acquire. It features motion activation and up to 20,000 hours of runtime.
Magnificaiton: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 24x30 mm
Reticle: 3- or 6-MOA red dot
Length: 2.1 inches
Weight: 1.5 ounces
MSRP: $719.99
(603) 610-3000; sigsauer.com
Steiner | DRS 1X
In addition to three reticle modes, Steiner’s new Defendu Reflex Sight features auto brightness and seven illumination levels to aid shooters in selecting the ideal setting for day or night use. Though it’s capable of running on a single AA battery, two AAs provide a runtime of over 2,000 hours.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 24.5x32 mm
Reticle: Single Dot, Dot and Stadia, Dot, Stadia and Close Dot
Length: 2.57 inches
Weight: 10.4 ounces
MSRP: $749.99
(888) 550-6255; steiner-optics.com
Tract | Toric UHD 30 mm 4-20x50 FFP MRAD PRS
Improved to fit the requirements of PRS shooting, the new Toric 4-20x50 has an MRAD PRS reticle with a long-range “Christmas Tree-style” reticle sporting a .04-mil floating center dot and .2-mil windage correction holds. Schott HT glass provides outstanding resolution.
Magnification: 4-20X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: MRAD PRS
Length: 13.7 inches
Weight: 34 ounces
MSRP: $1,294
(631) 662-7354; tractoptics.com
Trijicon | SRO
Trijicon’s new SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) is designed for competitive handgunners. Its large, parallax-free window makes it easy to find and track the dot. The sight uses the same mounting footprint as the RMR, and offers a top-loading battery compartment.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Dimensions: 25x22.5 mm
Reticle: 1-, 2.5- or 5-MOA red dot
Length: 2.2 inches
Weight: 1.6 ounces
MSRP: $749
(800) 338-0563; trijicon.com
Vortex | Diamondback Tactical
A first-focal-plane optic for $500? The EBR-2C reticle is ideal for maintaining elevation and/or wind correction(s) while accurately engaging targets at distance. This scope features fully multicoated glass for sharp, bright images.
Magnification: 6-24X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: EBR-2C
Length: 14.5 inches
Weight: 24.6 ounces
MSRP: $499.99
(800) 426-0048; vortexoptics.com
Zeiss | Conquest V4
Boasting a 30 mm tube and fully multi-coated lenses, Zeiss’ new Conquest V4 offers a tremendous amount of reticle adjustment. It has 80 MOA of internal adjustment in .25-MOA clicks of its easy-to-manipulate, spring-loaded turrets. The ZMOAi-1 illuminated second-focal-plane reticle includes fine-line subtensions with 1-MOA graduations.
Magnification: 4-16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: ZMOAi-1
Length: 14.5 inches
Weight: 21.7 ounces
MSRP: $1,099.99
(800) 441-3005; zeiss.com
