The new year rang in strong with a flurry of new and exciting optics being launched earlier this year at SHOT Show 2023. Whether it be red dots for defensive carry pistols, target scopes for long-range shooting or anything in-between, every category of glass saw newcomers hit the market.
Here are my top 10 picks for optics this year.
Primary Arms SLX 1-6x 24 mm
One of the features that stood out, other than the phenomenal price point on this second focal plane optic, is the innovative ACSS reticle (short for Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle). This system provides quick and easy reference points for ranging your target without the use of a rangefinder or other means. This makes the SLX 1-6x a great option for unknown distance shooting, as well as hunters going after prey animals such as coyotes with its illuminated reticle. The 30 mm tube allows plenty of room for adjustments, which on this riflescope have a click value of ½ MOA. Weighing in at 16.9 ounces, you will barely notice this glass on top of your rifle. $289.99, primaryarms.com
Mepro Tru-Vision Red-Dot Optic
New from Meprolight this year is an optic that does everything but squeeze the trigger on your rifle. Powered by a CR123 battery, this waterproof and shockproof optic will hold up to not only the elements, but the effects of being subjected to the constant recoiling of your rifle. Key features of this optic are automatic and manual brightness control, large display window, ½-MOA click value, built-in motion sensor, and automatic sleep and wake-up modes. And, if all that isn’t enough for you, the Tru-Vision is also NVG and NOD compatible. $499.99, meprolight.com
Bushnell RXM-300 Reflex Sight
For anyone hesitant to fully rely on a red-dot sight for a defensive carry gun, you can now have the best of both worlds. The RXM-300 from Bushnell has an innovative design that allows you to retain full use of your iron sights while having the option to utilize the red dot as you see fit, without having to strip away any portion of the optic. The large lens makes it quick and easy to get the RXM-300’s four-MOA dot on target, meaning faster follow-up shots should you be using it in a competition or defensive scenario. Additional features of this optic include shake-awake technology and adjustable brightness levels. $299.99, bushnell.com
Athlon Cronus G2 UHD Spotting Scope
Shooters and spotters work as a team, and while shooting at distance they will need a solid spotting scope to see shots clearly and leaving no room for second-guessing a shot call. The Cronus G2 UHD is an angled body spotter with a variable magnification range of 20x-60x and a large 86 mm objective lens. Optimal uses for this spotting scope include hunting, as well as long-range shooting, although it will easily satisfy the user at closer ranges. Much thought and craftsmanship went into the glass of this spotter to provide good color contrast, and clear and crisp images that are nice and sharp around the edges, making chromatic aberration a thing of the past. Additionally, this spotter is waterproof, so no worries should the skies decide to open up. $1,249.99, athlonoptics.com
GPO USA GPOTAC 45 15-45x Spotting Scope
Another spotter that caught my eye among the new releases this year was the GPOTAC 45. A new member of the growing German Precision Optics lineup, this spotter caters to long-range shooters with its built-in PLR reticle. The variable magnification range of 15x-45x allows confident target identification and shot calls while the 60 mm objective lens provides a nice and wide field of view. The PLR reticle in the GPOTAC 45 is in the first focal plane and makes an excellent pairing with the riflescope that shares the identical reticle, the GPOTAC 4.5-27x 50 mm. In addition, high-end coatings enhance light transmission and colors. $1,349.99, gpo-usa.com
Sightmark Presidio 5-30x 56 mm
Long-range rifle shooters can look no further, as the combinations and features of the Presidio 5-30x 56 mm scope from Sightmark are top-notch. Exposed tactical turrets allow for quick and simple adjustments, with solid positive clicks. A short list of the features adorning this scope include first focal plane reticle, fully multi-coated lenses and illuminated reticle. A built-in zero-stop is a handy feature always comes in handy, and the 30 mm tube provides plenty of room for adjustments, especially when you pair it with a 20-MOA base. Speaking of easy adjustments, Sightmark tosses in a throw lever at no extra charge, making manipulation of the magnification ring flawless. Waterproof and dustproof as any quality optic should be, this is certainly a win in my book. $449.97, sightmark.com
C-More RTS2B V5 Micro Red-Dot Sight
Perhaps one of the most sought-after optics over the past couple of years are red dots. Armed with this knowledge, C-More launched its RTS2B-V5 micro red-dot optic. Despite it being small, it sure packs a punch when it comes to included features such as shake awake technology, side access to the battery compartment, manually adjustable brightness levels, and five different dot sizes to choose from ranging from 3 MOA to 12 MOA. Constructed from an aircraft alloy, this micro red-dot sight is built to withstand the punishment of recoil during competition or extended range sessions. $389, cmore.com
Riton 5 Tactix 1-10x 24 mm
The range of uses for a quality built 1-10x first focal plane optic are endless. The 30 mm tube on this riflescope allows for more adjustment than you will ever require, while the integrated throw lever in one of two available spots on the magnification ring allows you to get up close and personal with your target with ease. Waterproof, shockproof and fog-proof, this optic is meant to get down and dirty, while withstanding everything your rifle can throw at it. Dangerous game hunters will find value in the capped turrets, which can aid in preventing accidental windage and elevation adjustments afield. And if all that wasn’t enough, the optic is covered by Riton’s lifetime warranty. $959.99, ritonoptics.com
Nightforce ATACR 4-16x 50 mm
If you have to pick one riflescope to mount on a gun that you use for hunting and for mid- to long-range target practice, the ATACR 4-16x 50 mm optic from Nightforce definitely fits the bill. Multi-coated ED glass heightens color, brightens images and exceeds expectations in low-light conditions. Knowing what customers value, this scope also sports an integrated throw lever, illuminated reticle, zero-stop tech in the elevation turret, and a capped windage turret to prevent accidental windage adjustments afield—or by a buddy sabotaging your range session. The 34 mm tube on this scope allows for 30 MILS of adjustment which is most likely more than you are ever going to need. $2,400, nightforceoptics.com
Bushnell Match Pro ED 15x 56 mm Binocular
New from Bushnell is a handy piece of kit to add to your collection, with bonus points if you have a buddy to hit the range with and call your shots. The Match Pro ED 15x 56 mm binoculars have a priceless feature built into them—the Shot-Call reticle—an MRAD-based reticle which allows the shooter to not only spot hits on target, but also determine how much adjustment is necessary while ranging targets on an unknown distance range. Boasting a high 92 percent light transmission, the features that the Match Pro ED’s carries for the low price point they can be bought for makes grabbing a pair a quick and easy decision. $699.99, bushnell.com
