In the market for some class glass? Check out some of the best new optics and aiming solutions ready to get you on target.
What Are The Top New Optics:
Whether it’s a top-of-the-line scope to make a long shot a sure bet or a minuscule red dot for hitting center mass every time, you need a solid aiming solution. Optics, laser sights and red dots are better than ever and, in many cases, won’t break the bank. We’ve gathered up seven of the best new optics to hit the market recently. All you’ve got to decide is, which will get you on target?
Aimpoint CompM5b
It’s no secret that Aimpoint delivers the goods. But the respected optics maker might’ve outdone itself with the CompM5b. The red dot offers a truly tactical system, not only delivering outstanding accuracy, but also quick calibration. This, in part, is thanks to an interchangeable turret system adapted for different calibers at different target ranges. It’s also compatible with an array of Aimpoint magnifiers, including the 3XMag-1 and 6XMag-1 magnifiers, as well as all generations of Night Vision Devices. Its 2-MOA dot is excellent for precise close-quarters engagements, but fine enough to handle midrange work. And, as expected from Aimpoint, the 6.3 unit is tough. MSRP: $1,124
Viridian HS1 Laser-Sight Hand Stop
Simple concepts oftentimes prove the most useful. That perfectly pegs Viridian’s new additions. Pulling double duty, the HS1 is the first and only hand stop laser sighting device on the market. Hard to believe it’s taken this long for someone to cook up this concept, given the AR-15 is more than a half-century old. As to the particulars of the Viridian HS1, it uses a highly visible green laser, which extends its use to some daylight applications. M-Lok mounts make it compatible with a wide spectrum of handguards. And, it has a simple operating system, powering on via a pressure pad on the stop. There might not a more practical addition for a close-quarters AR. MSRP: $179
Maven CS.1 15-45x65mm
Compromise isn’t part of the game with once-in-a-lifetime hunts. From rifle to boots, you’ve got to have equipment up to the job. Maven gets this, which is why they’ve designed the CS.1 spotting scope. At once, the precision optic is lightweight and unimposing, while delivering pristine details at ranges most other scopes only dream of. Boasting the same extra-low dispersion, multi-coated glass found in Maven’s C Series binos, the CS.1 has impeccable light-gathering capabilities, producing bright, high-contrast images. And with an aluminum/magnesium frame, the 40-ounce optic is next to nothing in a rucksack with the durability to stand up to the toughest hunt. MSRP: $650
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Sightmark Wraith HD 2-16x28mm
Lack of light is no excuse to head home from the field. Not with the Wraith HD 2-16x28mm digital riflescope on your rifle. Boasting a 1920×1080 CMOS sensor that delivers pristine images on a 1280×720 FLCOS display, the day/night optic is the perfect option to fill your bag, no matter the hour. The dandy optic is easy to use, too. Switching from full-color daytime mode to green or black-and-white night IR is push-button simple. Additionally, the Wraith comes with a removable 850nm IR illuminator to enhance nighttime images for accurate target acquisition out to 200 yards. If that’s not enough, the scope’s built-in video recording system comes with seven hours of memory. MSRP: $600
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Multi-Turret Riflescope
Next to surgical-like precision, long-range shooting pursuits are known for one thing—a hefty price tag. However, Bushnell has done a dynamite job moderating the expense of adding a quality optic and continues the trend with the AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm Multi-Turret. The scope’s defining feature is its quick-swap elevation caps. Simply choose from four popular calibers—6.5 CM, .224 Valkyrie, .308 Win. and .223 Rem—and you’re ready to dial in at any range. Large controls, from magnification ring lever to turrets, make this tactical marvel easy to adjust on the fly. And with a large 40mm objective and magnification to spare, it’s certain to get you on target no matter the distance. MSRP: $270
Meprolight R4E Tru-Dot
While suppressors have taken the shooting world by storm, it takes more than just a threaded muzzle to make one compatible with most handguns. Given the diameter of some cans, sights are a concern. Meprolight solves this dilemma with the introduction of the R4E Tru-Dot day/night sights. Tailored for Glock and H&K VP9 pistols, the upgraded sights stand taller, allowing for a clear sight picture over a suppressor. The sights also boast three vertical and two horizontal lines that produce a reticle-type sight picture that improves target acquisition time. Furthermore, the lines are tritium enhanced on the rear sight to help improve target acquisition in low-light conditions. Available in orange, yellow or green, the sights are ideal to get on target with your suppressed handgun. MSRP: $129
Swampfox Liberty and Justice Red-Dot Sights
What? You aren’t shooting with a red dot yet? As far as modern accessories go, there are few that do more for your accuracy behind a handgun. Swampfox makes red dots an easy, not to mention effective, addition to your target or defensive pistol with the introduction of the Liberty and Justice red-dots. The next-generation optics are optimized for concealed carry, robust enough to take everyday knocks, and adequately low-profile to keep under wraps. Liberty is Swampfox’s standard-window model, measuring 22mm wide, while the Justice is the big-window 27mm variant. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a 3 MOA dot, shake-and-wake power system and incredibly long battery life.
MSRP: Liberty: $249 / Justice: $259
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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