Editorial Special – Rifle Optics

Small Arms Review Editorial Staff

ATHLON OPTICS

Helos BTR GEN2 4-20X50

The Helos BTR GEN2 4-20×50 is equally suited to a modern hunting rifle or an operator’s DMR. Ideal, for anyone looking for a solution to midrange to long range applications, whether you dial or holdover. Robustly built with fool-proof turrets now featuring true precision zero stop and locking turrets, the Helos BTR GEN2 4-20 is ready to deploy in any field.

Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
Tube Size: 30 mm
Unit of Measure: MIL or MOA
Reticle Type: Illuminated ranging
Reticle Model: APLR6
Diopter Setting: fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: 6
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Locking, Push-Pull
Revolution Indicator: None
Zeroing Mechanism: Quick-set
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Locking, Push-Pull
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: .25 MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 80 MOA/100 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 25 MOA
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: Yes
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 10 yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 27.9-5.6 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.8 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 24 – 4 mm
Length: 13.3 inches
Weight: 27.6 ounces
MSRP: $750
URL: athlonoptics.com

ATHLON OPTICS

Cronus BTR GEN2 4.5-29×56

A titan in long range precision. Poor weather and low light conditions are no match for UHD extra-low dispersion lenses. Cut through mirage and leave the competition in the dust. From precision shooting to the most demanding hunt, the Cronus BTR GEN2 is up to the challenge.

Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
Tube Size: 34 mm
Unit of Measure: MIL or MOA
Reticle Type: Illuminated ranging
Reticle Model: APLR5
Diopter Setting: Fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: 11
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Exposed Turrets
Revolution Indicator: None
Zeroing Mechanism: Slip-turrets
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Exposed
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: .25 MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 64 MOA/110 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 25 MOA
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: Yes
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 25 yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 24.8 – 3.8 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.8 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 8.8 – 1.9 mm
Length: 14.4 inches
Weight: 35.8 ounces
MSRP: $2000
URL: athlonoptics.com

Crimson Trace

Hardline Pro 1-6x LPVO

The Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 1-6X LPVO is optimized for both competition and home defense. With best-in-class features including ELD glass, an illuminated reticle, superior eye relief, aerospace-grade aluminum construction, zero-reset turrets, and a fast-focus eyepiece, this LPVO belongs on any AR/MSR platform.

Reticle Focal Plane: Second focal plane
Tube Size: 30 mm
Unit of Measure: MOA
Reticle Type: illuminated
Reticle Model: Crimson Trace BDC – Competition
Diopter Setting: fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: 10
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Capped
Revolution Indicator: None
Zeroing Mechanism: Set-screws
Zero Stop: None
Windage Adj. Type: Capped
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click:1/4 MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 130 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 25 MOA
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: None
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 100 yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 110.3 – 18.4 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.8 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 24 – 4 mm
Length: 11 7/8 inches
Weight: 1.32 pounds
MSRP: $845
URL: crimsontrace.com

Horus Vision

HoVR 5-20×50 Rifle Scope

Do you want the reticle of US SOCOM or the Official Reticle of the Precision Rifle Series? The HoVR 5-20×50 is it! This provides all the features you need to optimize the use of a HORUS reticle with crisp images, excellent color & lifetime warranty.

Reticle Focal Plane: First focal plane
Tube Size: 30 mm
Unit of Measure: MIL or MOA (dependent on reticle)
Reticle Type: Non-illuminated
Reticle Model: TREMOR3 or TREMOR5 or H59
Diopter Setting: Fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: N/A
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Uncapped
Revolution Indicator: Yes
Zeroing Mechanism: Set Screws
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Capped
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: .1 MIL or .25 MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 14.5 MIL / 17.5 MIL
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 5 MIL
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: Yes
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 25
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 20 – 5.3 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 2.52 – 3.7 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 9.9 – 2.6 mm
Length: 13.42 inches
Weight: 28.8 ounces
MSRP: $1500
URL: horusvision.com

LEUPOLD

Patrol 6HD CDS-ZL2

Designed to help defend your ground, the ultra-lightweight, low-profile design of the Leupold Patrol 6HD deploys quickly, while its 1-6x magnification lets you engage targets anywhere–from tight corners to open fields. One features ¼-MOA adjustments using a traditional capped dial and is equipped with and Illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle. The other still has ¼-MOA adjustments but comes equipped with Leupold’s CDS-ZL2 dial system.

Reticle Focal Plane: Second focal plane
Tube Size: 30 mm
Unit of Measure: MOA
Reticle Type: Illuminated Duplex or Illuminated ranging
Reticle Model: FireDot Duplex or CM-R2
Diopter Setting: Fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: 8
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Push-button, zero lock
Revolution Indicator: 2 revolutions
Zeroing Mechanism: Set-screws
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Capped
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: ¼ MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 170 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 20 MOA
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: No
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 150 yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 120.9 – 19.2 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.7 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 10 – 4 mm
Length: 10.8 inches
Weight: 16.2 ounces
MSRP: $1500
URL: leupold.com

MEOPTA

Optika5 2-10×42 PA

The Meopta Optika5 2-10×42 PA riflescope is engineered to withstand heavy recoil and features a side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. This exceptionally versatile riflescope delivers razor-sharp image focus at close ranges and gives hunters and target shooters the ability to dial in the focus at longer ranges.

Reticle Focal Plane: Second focal plane
Tube Size: 1-inch
Unit of Measure: MOA
Reticle Type: non-illuminated
Reticle Model: Z-Plus, which has holds
Diopter Setting: Fast focus, +2.0 to -2.0
Number of Illum. Settings: N/A
Elevation Turret Mechanism: capped, zero-reset turrets
Revolution Indicator: None
Zeroing Mechanism: Tool-less
Zero Stop: None
Windage Adj. Type: Capped
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: ¼ MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 60 / 60 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 24 MOA
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: Yes
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 10 yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 55.7-11.5 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.6 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 10.5 – 4.2 mm
Length: 12.13 inches
Weight: 20.8 ounces
MSRP: $349.99
URL: meoptasportoptics.com

MEOPTA

Optika6 3-18×50

The Meopta Optika6 3-18×50 FFP MRAD-1 precision riflescope features a 30mm tube, 6x zoom, zero-reset turrets, and advanced MeoBright lens coatings that deliver edge-to-edge clarity and exceptionally bright, sharp images. Rubber-armored target turrets ensure a non-slip grip. The zoom ring has a multi-position throw lever and rear-facing display allowing easy viewing of the power setting from behind the scope.

Reticle Focal Plane: First focal plane
Tube Size: 30 mm
Unit of Measure: MIL
Reticle Type: Illuminated
Reticle Model: MRAD-1
Diopter Setting: Fast-focus, non-locking
Number of Illum. Settings: 6
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Exposed, push-pull locking
Revolution Indicator: None
Zeroing Mechanism: Tool-less
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Capped
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: 0.1 MIL
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 90 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 10 MIL
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: Yes
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 25 yards – infinity
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 33.6 – 5.7 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.94 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 9.5 – 2.8 mm
Length: 14.61 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
MSRP: $749.99
URL: meoptasportoptics.com

MEPROLIGHT

Mepro Foresight

More than a red dot sight, it’s command central for any training or personal defense mission you face. These new optical sights provide situational awareness with a real-time data feed in your field of view, including a leveler, compass heading, and more. Bluetooth connectivity creates efficiencies like instant access to more than 20 reticles and up to 10 personal firearm profiles, while our DoubleShoot App provides automatic digital zeroing when you upload an image of your target, key performance data, and more. It’s the missing link of intelligence between marksman and machine.

Optical Magnification: 1x
Reticle Type: User selectable- green/yellow
Power Supply: Rechargeable battery, USB-C Port
Aperture Window: 33mm x 20mm
Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.3 x 2.6 inches
Weight: 9.9 ounces
MSRP: $770
URL: meprolight.com

MEPROLIGHT

Mepro RDS Pro V2

The Mepro RDS Pro V2 red dot is the civilian counterpart to the battle sight trusted by the Israel Defense Force and other elite military and law-enforcement units worldwide. This battle-proven operative is the next iteration of the original Mepro RDS red dot. A Picatinny-mounted sight with an ultra-wide display window that gives you outstanding situational awareness and features a 2 MOA red dot, 16 brightness settings for any lighting conditions, preset reticle patterns: dot or bullseye in red or green, and thousands of hours of run time for a single AA battery. The efficient LED power, auto-shutoff, and motion sensor keep the energy up so it’s ready when you need it most.

Reticle Type: Illuminated, red or green
Number of Illum. Settings: 16
Power Supply: Single AA battery
Battery Life: 1000+ hours
Aperture Window: 33mm x 20mm
Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.3 x 2.7 inches
Weight: 10.6 ounces
MSRP: $600
URL: meprolight.com

N-VISION OPTICS

Halo-Xrf Thermal Scope

N-Vision Optics’ HALO-XRF combines state of the art BAE thermal imaging Core with top customer demanded features, such as integrated laser range finder, onboard video recording, and WiFi connectivity. HALO-XRF is proudly designed and built in the USA, making it the ultimate US-made thermal scope with integrated LRF available to the hunting market.

Sensor Pixel Pitch: 12 um
Resolution: 640 x 480
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Lens: 50mm f/1.1
Focus: Fixed
Digital Zoom: 1x/2x/4x/8x
Magnification: 3.5x
Display Type: OLED 640×480 B&W
Power Source: 2x 18650 batteries
Remote Power: USB 5.0V
External Connector: Waterproof USB-C
Calibration (NUC) Manual: Manual
Detection Range: 2020 yards
Recognition Range: 726 yards
Identification Range: 380 yards
Weight: 41.5 ounces
Size: 8.9 x 4.1 x 3.4 inches
MSRP: $9495
URL: nvisionoptics.com

N-VISION OPTICS

NOX35 THERMAL SCOPE

Nox35 is a 12-micron 60 Hz small, light, and fully functional thermal weapon sight that can serve double duty as a head-mounted monocular or a scanner. The NOX35 is proudly designed and built in the USA, using the best commercially available 640 x 480 60 Hz BAE thermal imaging core and the highest grade optical components.

Sensor Pixel Pitch: 12 um
Resolution: 640 x 480
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Magnification: 2.5x
Lens: 35mm f/1.1
Focus: Manual, non-rotating
Field of View: 12.2(H) x 9.3(V); 15.1 (diagonal)
Digital Zoom: 1x/2x/4x/8x
Display Type: OLED 640×480 B&W
Power Source: 1x CR123 or 1x 18650
Remote Power: USB 5.0V
External Connector: Waterproof USB-C
Calibration (NUC): Manual
Weight, CR123 Battery: 16.9 ounces (w/o weapon mount) /19.3 ounces (w/ weapon mount)
Weight, 18650 Battery: 18.7 ounces (w/o weapon mount) /21.0 ounces (w/ weapon mount)
Size, CR123 Battery: 6.8×2.9×2.4 inches (w/o weapon mount)/ 6.8×2.9×3.0 inches (w/ weapon mount)
Size, 18650 Battery: 6.8×2.9×2.4 inches (w/o weapon mount)/ 6.8×2.9×3.0 inches (w/ weapon mount)
Detection Range: 1,491 yards
Recognition Range: 524 yards
Identification Range: 270 yards
MSRP: $6795
URL: nvisionoptics.com

PRIMARY ARMS

PLx 1-8×24

The Primary Arms Optics PLx 1-8x24mm FFP compact rifle scope achieves unprecedented speed and precision in an ultra-compact, lightweight body. This cutting-edge optic combines extra-low dispersion lenses, AutoLive Illumination technology, and user-configurable tactical turrets. Put to the test, this scope is certain to impress even the most discerning professionals.

Reticle Focal Plane: First focal plane
Tube Size: 30 mm
Unit of Measure: MRAD
Reticle Type: illuminated BDC/Illuminated MRAD grid
Reticle Model: ACSS Raptor M8/ACSS Griffin M8
Diopter Setting: non-locking/fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: 10
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Push-pull, locking
Revolution Indicator: No
Zeroing Mechanism: Tool-less
Zero Stop: No
Windage Adj. Type: Push-pull, locking
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: 1/10 MIL
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 100 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 10 MIL
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: N
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 100 Yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 121- 14.6 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.35-3.66 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 7.9-3.0 mm
Length: 9.4 inches
Weight: 17.1 ounces
MSRP: $1500
URL: primaryarms.com

PRIMARY ARMS

SLx 1X MicroPrism with Red Illuminated ACSS Cyclops Gen 2 Reticle

The Primary Arms SLx 1x MicroPrism is an advanced CQB optical system with an ultra-compact housing, compatible with backup iron sights and magnifiers. Combining the best features of red dot sights and prism scopes, the SLx 1x MicroPrism is fast, lightweight, and highly durable. With its adjustable diopter, daylight-bright illumination, and updated ACSS Cyclops G2 reticle, the new 1x MicroPrism offers greater precision than a basic red dot while accommodating even severe astigmatism.

Reticle Focal Plane: Prism
Tube Size: N/A
Unit of Measure: MOA
Reticle Type: Partial Illumination
Reticle Model: ACSS CYCLOPS G2
Diopter Setting: Non-locking/fast focus
Number of Illum. Settings: 13 including night vision and true daylight bright
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Exposed/recessed
Revolution Indicator: No
Zeroing Mechanism: Tool-less
Zero Stop: None
Windage Adj. Type: Exposed/recessed
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: 1 MOA
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 120 MOA
W/E Turret Adj. Per Rev.: 80 MOA
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: None
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 100 Yards
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 76.5 ft
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.6 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 15.6 mm
Length: 2.48 inches
Weight: 5.5 ounces (7.6 ounces w/riser)
MSRP: $250
URL: primaryarms.com

SCHMIDT & BENDER, INC

3-20×50 PMII Ultra Short

The brilliant optical performance and large field-of-view on low power makes the compact 3-20×50 PM II Ultra Short perfect for medium to long-range targets. It features a powerful 6.7x zoom which is rugged and lightweight and ideal for compact weapon systems. This optic is in service with the U.S. Air Force and German Army.

Reticle: First focal plane
Tube Size: 34 mm
Unit of Measure: MOA or MRAD
Reticle Type: Illuminated, with holds
Reticle Model: TReMor3, H49, MSR, P4FL, H2CMR
Diopter Setting: -3 dpt to +2dpt
Number of Illum. Settings: 11
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Low-profile, locking
Revolution Indicator: Yes, pop-up plunger
Zeroing Mechanism: Two set screws
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Capped
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: ¼ MOA, CW or CCW
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 85.5 MOA Elevation, +/-15 MOA Windage
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: Yes
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 82ft
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 38.8 – 6 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.5 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 11.4mm – 2.5mm
Length: 13.5 inches
Weight: 1.9 pounds
MSRP: $3899 to $4999
URL: schmidtundbender.de/en

SCHMIDT & BENDER, INC

1-8×24 PMII Short Dot Dual

The 1-8×24 Dual is the most technically advanced close combat and mid-range riflescope on the market. It combines a second focal plane red dot for close engagements with a first focal plane tactical reticle for accurate ranging and hold-offs. The generous eye box/exit pupil supports fast acquisition. This optic is in service with the German and French Army.

Reticle: Dual, First focal plane reticle, Second focal plane red dot
Tube Size: 34 mm
Unit of Measure: MRAD
Reticle Type: Illuminated with holds
Reticle: MDR-T6 or MDR
Diopter Setting: -3 dpt to +2 dpt
Number of Illum. Settings: 6 settings
Elevation Turret Mechanism: Low-profile, locking
Revolution Indicator: No, single turn
Zeroing Mechanism: Two set screws
Zero Stop: Yes
Windage Adj. Type: Locking
W/E Turret Adj. Value/Click: 1cm, CW or CCW
W/E Turret Total Adj. Range: 122cm Elevation, +/- 60cm Windage
Parallax/Side-Focus Adjust: No
Min. Parallax-Free Distance: 100m Fixed, 7m in Close Combat Mode
Linear FOV (ft@100yds): 104.9 – 14.7 feet
Eye Relief High Mag: 3.5 inches
Exit Pupil (Low-High Mag.): 9.8mm – 3mm
Length: 297mm, 11.6 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds / 630 grams
MSRP: $4899 to $5199
URL: schmidtundbender.de/en

TRIJICON

Trijicon 1-8×28 VCOG

The Trijicon 1-8×28 VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) is a highly rugged, variable magnification riflescope designed for close quarter battle and long-distance marksmanship. With a forged, aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum housing, the VCOG is nearly indestructible. Superior glass provides exceptional clarity and color with zero distortion. The universal segmented circle crosshair dot reticle is designed for multi-platform use, offers 11 user-selectable brightness settings and is powered by a lithium AA battery.