It’s often said that a rifle is only as good as the optics it wears. And this is uber-accurate when talking about tactical rifles — especially those that law enforcement officials and military personnel rely on when the chips are down. Fortunately, there has never been a better selection available to demanding consumers, with a wide array of models to fit every conceivable weapon or tactical situation. And with gun sales at an all-time high, what better time to make sure your store shelves are properly stocked with the latest and greatest in tactical optics and accessories. Here are a few select models to get the creative juices flowing.
American Rifle Company M10 Tactical Scope Rings
Engineered and manufactured in the USA, M10 tactical scope rings from American Rifle Company are CNC-machined from high-strength, lightweight 7075 aluminum and anodized with a mil-spec hard coat for excellent corrosion resistance and come with a matte-black finish. They include high-strength blackened 400-series stainless steel screws and 410 stainless cross bolt that even under the heaviest recoil hold firmly without marring or indenting the scope. Unique split rings maintain reticle alignment during scope installation while their low profile gives the shooter a clear view of the turrets. M10 rings feature a crowned-rail interface that precisely and correctly engages rails for excellent return-to-zero performance. The M10’s 21mm width and single recoil slot engagement offer more eye-relief adjustment than previous models. MSRP: $179.
ATN Tico LT Thermal Clip-on Sight
The American Technologies Network’s (ATN) Tico LT clip-on sight merges the traditional use of a glass scope with a cutting-edge thermal sensor to produce a highly advanced thermal image. Designed and optimized for ease of use, this seamless clip-on technology provides nighttime image quality without the need to buy a new scope, or the need to zero or adjust the unit — it simply mounts to the front of the scope for instant use. The Tico LT uses the latest ATN Obsidian LT core with 12 micron sensors for high-quality images at extended range. It incorporates a proprietary internal battery that provides up to 10 hours of field use. MSRP: NA.
Black Diamond Optics ZS-20
The ZS-20 5-30x56mm second focal plane riflescope from Black Diamond Optics features a 75 MOA zero-stop elevation turret, 30mm one-piece tube, adjustable parallax, European high-definition glass, Diamond-Tech coating and illuminated MOA reticle. It weighs in at 26 ounces and is 100 percent waterproof, offering both hunters and competitive shooters the edge needed for long-range shooting in adverse weather conditions. The ZS-20 features 4 inches of eye relief, 18-degree field of view and is dustproof, shockproof and nitrogen purged. It has a matte black anodized exterior finish and fully multicoated optics. MSRP: $1,499.
Burris RT-15 and RT-25
Burris RT-15 and RT-25 riflescopes are the answer for shooters looking for long-range precision optics that won’t break the family budget — with a featured front focal plane SCR 2 mil-dot reticle included on both models. Shooters can dial in exact holdover and windage using the precise 1/10 mil and zero click stop turrets while side parallax adjustment allows fine tuning focus to get the most out of the special competition reticle. The 5-25x56mm RT-25 is capable of 80 MOA total elevation travel and the 3-15x50mm RT-15 produces 65 MOA. Both riflescopes are built on a rugged 30mm nitrogen-filled tube and are waterproof, shockproof and fogproof. MAP: $599/RT-15; $699/RT-25.
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm
The Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm tactical riflescope was designed with mid- to long-range shooters in mind — sporting a wide magnification range, exposed target turrets and side parallax focus for precise adjustments. It features the Drop Zone 223 SFP reticle specifically calibrated for .223 Win. ammunition and an illuminated center crosshair provides easier target acquisition and holdovers, ensuring the shooter spends less time finding the target and more time focusing on aim and trigger pull. Six levels of illumination make sure the reticle stands out against any target. Shooters can quickly change the magnification with the attached throw lever and fully multicoated optics provide a bright and clear image at dusk and dawn. MSRP: $179.99.
EOTech 5-25x50mm Vudu FFP
At a shade over 11 inches in length and weighing just 29.5 ounces, the Vudu FFP 5-25x50mm riflescope from EOTech is designed for use with short-platform rifles. It combines reliable first focal plane ranging with a unique push/pull elevation turret locking system and EOTech’s EZ Chek Zero Stop — all in an ultra-short design that leaves ample room to clip on a night vision or thermal device behind the riflescope. The Vudu’s 50mm objective lens gathers enough light to produce visible images in the most challenging lighting conditions and comes with two reticle choices: Horus H59 and MD3. The MD3 reticle produces brilliant red illumination with adjustable brightness and automatically shuts off after two hours of non-operation. MSRP: $2,099.
Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24mm
The Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24mm AR-15 riflescope provides fast point-and-shoot accuracy without target or reticle distortion — its magnification range a great match for hog hunting and 3-Gun competition. It features a simple illuminated green or red second focal plane Circle Dot reticle so field of view isn’t comprised and bullet drop compensation is calibrated for 5.56mm 55-grain ammo. Included is a cantilever mount to provide the correct cheek weld for AR-15s, throw lever for rapid magnification changes, a honeycomb filter to reduce glare and pop-up resettable locking turrets that return to zero. Multicoated, anti-reflective glass, along with an IP67 waterproof rating, keeps images crisp and clear in bright daylight as well as low-light situations. MSRP: $179.99.
German Precision Optics GPOTAC FFP 2.5-20x50i R
German Precision Optics (GPO) has added the GPOTAC FFP 2.5-20x50i to its lineup of premium tactical riflescopes, designed for military and law enforcement personnel, as well as shooters and hunters who demand the very best in long-distance shooting. This riflescope combines superior materials and meticulous manufacturing processes and delivers the results at an affordable price. It features a massive 34mm main tube and is crafted from a solid, one-piece dust-proof, waterproof, nitrogen-filled body that offers consistent point-of-impact accuracy as well as strength and durability. Other features include massive mil-rad set-and-lock turrets, custom mil-spec first focal plane Horseshoe reticle, double HD objective lenses, fiber-optic iControl illumination options, GPObright lens coating technology and a machined aluminum magnification ring. MSRP: $1,399.99.
Hawke Optics Sidewinder
Hawke Optics has added two new models to its Sidewinder riflescope line — the 4–16x50mm SF and the 6–24x56mm SF — both with the new FFP MOA reticle designed for first focal plane optics with MOA-spaced aiming points. The reticle is designed to give closer aiming points than the FFP Half Mil reticle and can be used for the counting method of zeroing-in on target, with each cross positioned 4 MOA apart. All Sidewinder models have a 30mm main tube and feature new H5 ultra-wide 24-degree field of view optics with 4 inches of eye relief and precision locking turrets with ¼-MOA clicks that now have a Witness Window that provides instant visual confirmation of the turret position. MSRP: $799/4-16x50mm; $819/6-24x56mm.
Hawkins Precision Heavy Tactical Scope Rings
Hawkins Precision Heavy Tactical scope rings where designed for tactical applications and competitive shooters. They feature a precision machined larger frame for extra rigidity and come standard with a 4.6- or 3.6-inch long top picatinny rail and an offset level cap so shooters can see the level from the shooting position without breaking their cheek weld. The top rail accommodates a laser rangefinder, a dope card or a variety of other accessories. Heavy Tactical scope rings come in 34mm, 35mm and 36mm models with heights of 1 and 1.15 inches. They are also available in a one-piece mount with 20 MOA or 40 MOA of cant built in. MSRP: $225.
KonusPro EL-30
The KonusPro 6-24x50mm EL-30 is a technologically advanced and versatile riflescope employing LCD technology to generate 10 LCD-generated interchangeable reticles for intermediate to long-distance tactical shooting, accommodating a wide range of shooting needs. The reticles can also be illuminated for low-light conditions, while the addition of a parallax wheel provides enhanced accuracy for challenging shots. Built on a one-piece 30mm tube, it features fully multicoated optics, lockable push/pull tactical turrets and red illumination. Reticles are located on the second focal place and the scope is waterproof and nitrogen filled. MSRP: $734.99.
Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm
Leupold’s Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm riflescope boasts edge-to-edge clarity, extreme low-light performance and improved versatility via its Combat Competition Hunter reticle. With three revolutions of elevation adjustment, the Mark 5HD was built to max out the performance of the latest long-range rifles and ammo. Ergonomically designed with tactile, audible click adjustments, larger numbers and a high-speed throw lever, shooters can put accurate fire downrange faster. Each scope design is required to survive 5,000 impacts on the Punisher, Leupold’s recoil simulation machine — which is three times the recoil of a .308 Win. rifle. The heart of the Mark 5HD is in its ZeroLock adjustments, which provide precise, repeatable tracking with a dead-on return to zero. MSRP: $2,339.99.
Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50
Pulsar’s Trail 2 LRF XP50 thermal riflescope utilizes a highly sensitive 640x480 thermal sensor to distinguish miniscule temperature differences during rain, fog, dark or extremely cold conditions. A full-color 1024x768 AMOLED display and 2-16X magnification range ensures that images out to 2,000 yards will appear crystal-clear — and built-in video and still-image recording with 16GB of internal memory allows users to store footage. The Trail 2’s integrated laser rangefinder features two modes: Single Time Measurement and Scanning, allowing the shooter to adjust quickly for changing distances. It also features a three-second startup, variable digital zoom up to 8X, four color reticle options, picture-in-picture mode, IPX7 waterproof protection, Wi-Fi compatibility with the Stream Vision app and up to five zeroing profiles. MSRP: $6,599.99.
Sector Optics G1T3 System
Sector Optics has expanded its G1 ID system series product line with the addition of the G1T3 system — combining the G1 ID 1-8x24mm riflescope with its new T3 thermal imager. The G1 ID riflescope is the first Sector Optics product to feature its new unique Internal Display technology —an internal heads-up screen that displays information transmitted to the riflescope via a wired connection to any one of its products. Shooters can now easily view additional information about their observed area without ever having to take their eyes off the target, and the Internal Display does not interfere with any standard functions of the riflescope. The G1 riflescope has a tube diameter of 30mm and features a glass-etched, illuminated second focal plane reticle. MSRP: $2,649.99.
Sightmark Citadel 1-10x24mm CR1
The Citadel 1-10x24mm CR1 riflescope elevates close- to mid-range shooters, hunters and law enforcement officials to the next level of shooting proficiency. It comes feature packed with a fully multicoated lens and fine-etched, red-illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. The riflescope includes a second focal plane CR1 reticle, great for close- to mid-range shooting and quick target acquisition. Its 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Citadel comes complete with capped low-profile turrets, ½-MOA per click windage and elevation adjustments, BDC reticle calibrated for .223 Win. 55-grain ammunition, a throw lever and flip-up caps. It is IP67-rated waterproof, shockproof and fogproof. MSRP: $479.99.
Sig Sauer Tango6T
The Sig Sauer Tango6T tactical riflescope, selected for the U.S. Army squad designated marksman rifle is now available for civilian purchase. The Tango6T is a 1-6X variable-magnification riflescope that enables engagement of both close-quarter and extended-range targets. Proven to withstand the rigors of U.S. military testing, it exceeds the highest standards for ruggedization, range and accuracy, making it a great choice for military and civilian use alike. The Sig Sauer Tango6T 1-6x24mm is available in first and second focal plane models with several reticle options including 5.56/7.62 Horseshoe Dot, Hellfire MOA Milling, Hellfire FL-6 and the new DWLR6. MSRP: $1,819.99.
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm
The updated Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm tactical riflescope is built around the new AR-BDC3 reticle — an updated design that makes ranging distances and applying holdovers simpler and more intuitive, with references out to 650 yards. It also features a thread-in throw lever for rapid adjustments and is optimized for .223 Win. and .556 NATO platforms. The Strike Eagle’s illuminated glass-etched reticle means not only is it extremely crisp and precise, but the shooter will maintain a point of aim even with a loss of power. The Strike Eagle has been designed with a cleaner, sleeker profile — a beauty on the outside and all beast on the inside. MSRP: $399.99.