Competition shooters, whether casually involved or those officially ranked, are on the edge of their seats awaiting the inevitable onslaught of new product releases that accompany SHOT Show every year. One of the most important parts of a shooter’s equation for success is their optic. Regardless of the platform it is mounted on or the competition in which it is used, a quality optic you can rely on for accurate, dependable performance is critical.
The new releases we have seen thus far in 2026 have brought to market more intuitive designs, clearer glass, clever reticle designs and increased compatibility with mounting options, all catering to the unique needs of competitors. Read on as we take a look at some of this year’s newest options that you may be seeing soon on the firing line.
Vortex Razor HD Gen III 4-24x44 mm FFP
For competition shooters requiring an optic for mid- to long-range shooting, the new Gen III Razor HD from Vortex is worth a closer look. This 4-24x44 mm first focal plane riflescope’s strength lies in its versatility. At lower magnifications, shooters will appreciate its wide field of view and highly accurate, close-range shots. On the flip side, the optic’s higher magnification allows for positive target identification and precise shot placement. Maximum elevation adjustments of 46 mils (or 158 MOA) are available via the scope’s exposed elevation turret, which locks tight to eliminate accidental adjustments. Equipped with Vortex’s EBR-7D reticle in your choice of MOA or MRAD, holdovers or corrections can be made quickly, allowing you to send another round downrange before potential wind changes. This reticle also features cross-plex illumination, increasing visibility and ease of use when at the lower end of the scope’s magnification range, or in dimmer lighting. MSRP: $4,199, vortexoptics.com
Shield Sights OMSx Micro Red Dot
Shield Sights is entering the new year with a competitive mindset, combining the best of both worlds with its already popular OMSsc and RMSx designs. Their new OMSx Micro red-dot sight caters to what competition handgun shooters value most. The top portion of this optic is translucent, allowing for a bright and unobstructed viewing experience, ultimately leading to quicker sight picture acquisition. The dot brightness adjusts automatically based on real-time lighting conditions and is available in your choice of two sizes: 4 MOA or 8 MOA. The OMSx boasts all the aforementioned features, including a wide viewing window, while still retaining its compact footprint, making this micro-red dot perform like a red dot twice its size. Lastly, this sight shares the Shield standard footprint, allowing it to be directly mounted on slides cut for Shield RMSc/SMSc patterned optics. MSRP: $489.99, shieldsights.com
Primary Arms SLx Compact 4-16x44 mm FFP
Primary Arms launched several new products for the new year, including the SLx Compact 4‑16x44 mm. This first focal plane riflescope is compact and lightweight, weighing a mere 20½ ounces. There are multiple reticle options available, including your choice of one of the following ACSS reticles: DEKA G2 (clean and simple MIL-based reticle), Athena BPR MIL (featuring MIL-grid layout and built-in ranging features) or HUD DMR BDC (a BDC reticle optimized for .308 Win.). Regardless of which reticle option you choose, the new SLx 4‑16x44 mm delivers dependable performance in a compact footprint at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. MSRP: $399.99, primaryarms.com
ZeroTech Thrive HD Reflex Green Dot Multi-Reticle FDE
Why choose one reticle when you can have them all? The new Thrive HD Reflex Sight from ZeroTech allows you to toggle between three different reticle options depending on your personal preference or what is most ideal for the competition you’re taking part in. The three reticle options available are a 3-MOA dot, a 40-MOA circle or a dot/circle combo. ZeroTech opted for a green reticle in their new sight because it is brighter in daylight, easier on the eyes and appears sharper to shooters with an unfortunate case of astigmatism. Those forgetful about turning off various items and draining batteries need not worry, as this new sight is equipped with shake-awake technology and an impressive 50,000-hour battery life, powered by a simple CR2032 battery. MSRP: $249.99, zerotechoptics.com
Sightron S6 10-60x56 mm ED Field Target Riflescope
Competitors will be delighted to see a new optic catering to their unique and demanding needs in the new year. The new S6 10-60x56 mm ED Field Target riflescope from Sightron pairs a redesigned parallax cam with 330 degrees of total adjustment with a carefully crafted Japanese optical system to dramatically enhance resolution and clarity. Their Zact-7 Revcoat Plus multi-coatings go even further, maximizing light transmission while minimizing chromatic aberration. This scope is available with your choice of the new MOA-2FT or MH-FT reticle, catering to air gun, .22-caliber competition field target and benchrest shooters. Additionally, Sightron offers an optional bundle that includes a magnetic parallax correction wheel. This add-on feature makes on-the-fly adjustments a breeze and allows removal for transport. MSRP: $1,999, sightron.com
Vortex AMG 1-10x24 mm FFP
The Vortex AMG 1-10x24 mm first focal plane riflescope is among the brand’s latest releases. Measuring just over eight inches in length, this optic is right at home atop a carbine, leaving plenty of rail space for you to mount additional accessories or even an offset red dot. Perhaps one of the most unique features of the new AMG 1-10x24 mm are its dual zero turrets. With this, shooters can quickly change zeroes based on whether they are shooting with a suppressor, unsuppressed, subsonic or supersonic ammunition and more. The EBR-9 MRAD reticle is illuminated, giving shooters an edge in low-light conditions. The reticle’s design is packed with subtensions in a clean yet uncluttered way, allowing the user to calculate holdovers and corrections and range their targets quickly and efficiently. Additional design features, such as knurled knobs and a low-profile throw lever enhance this LPVO’s allure. MSRP: $6,399, vortexoptics.com
