2024 New Optics Guide

by Braxton Taylor

Where firearm innovation over the past century-plus has been mostly incremental improvements on existing technology, the optics that mount on them have seen technological advances that boggle the mind. Whether new technologies are made to work in a multi-purpose riflescope, miniaturized for a micro-red-dot sight to fit on a handgun or made increasingly affordable as we are seeing with thermal scopes, the world of tactical optics is always exciting. With nearly every new firearm able to accept an optic, chances are you’ll need a new one soon. Here are some of the most interesting new examples introduced in 2024.


Aimpoint | Acro-P2 Cerakote
The popular Acro-P2 enclosed-emitter MRDS gets a facelift, with new Cerakote color finishes available in Flat Dark Earth and Sniper Grey. Adding Cerakote enhances the durability of this already exceedingly tough optic that also boasts a battery life of 5 years of constant-on use—off of a single CR2032 battery.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 15×15 mm
Reticle: 3.5-MOA red dot
Length: 1.9 inches
Weight: 2.1 ounces
MSRP: $649
(877) 246-7646; aimpoint.us


Armasight | Collector 320

Armasight | Collector 320
Multiple color palettes, eight different aiming reticles and an intuitive three-button control system are just the starting point for this new thermal sight. Powered by an industry-standard CR123A battery for easy replacement in the field and with a USB-C port for adding an external device, the Collector 320 gets you into the world of thermal optics with a minimum of fuss and bother.

Magnification: 1.5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 19 mm
Reticle: Eight options
Length: 6.7 inches
Weight: 15.9 ounces
MSRP: $2,499
(888) 504-2762; armasight.com


Burris | BTS35 V3

Burris | BTS35 V3
Burris’ new BTS35 V3 Thermal Riflescope incorporates the company’s new 400×300 12 µm resolution sensor for superior image quality. It features nine color palettes, more than 6 hours of run time and USB-C charging. Video recording and remote-device control are possible via the BurrisConnect app.

Magnification: 2-16X
Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm
Reticle: 10 options
Length: 11.7 inches
Weight: 27.2 ounces
MSRP: $4,200
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com


Burris | Signature HD Spotting Scope

Burris | Signature HD Spotting Scope
If you need to spot shots at long range, this feature-laden spotting scope is an excellent option. With an ARCA-compatible tripod mount, an integrated M-Lok attachment point for accessories, a choice of two reticles to help match your riflescope and a robust die-cast magnesium body for durability, it is a must-have for the dedicated long-distance shooter.

Magnification: 20-60X
Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
Reticle: Eyepiece sold separately (fixed-power 30X magnification with either an SCR Mil or SCR MOA reticle)
Length: 16.3 inches
Weight: 70.4 ounces
MSRP: $2,040
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com


Burris | XTR Pro Black

Burris | XTR Pro Black
Designed to maximize top-rail space for competitive shooters, this riflescope features enhanced knurling on the power ring for greater purchase. Extra-large numbers on the turrets allow for easy and fast reading, while a quick-detach race dial and a new toolless zero-stop elevation knob maximize ease of use.

Magnification: 5.5-30X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm
Reticle: SCR 2 Mil
Length: 15.2 inches
Weight: 35 ounces
MSRP: $2,640
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com


Bushnell | Match Pro ED

Bushnell | Match Pro ED
The lowest magnification of the Match Pro ED makes it easy to engage targets at 100 yards or so, and the 18X maximum magnification means you can push your limits and those of your rifle and still make the shot. With an easy-to-use Deploy MIL 2 first-focal-plane reticle and Bushnell’s Extra-Low Dispersion Prime glass, you’ll see the difference with every shot.

Magnification: 3-18X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Deploy MIL 2 Illuminated FFP
Length: 13.2 inches
Weight: 28.4 ounces
MSRP: $749
(800) 221-9035; bushnell.com


C&H Precision | Comp

C&H Precision | Comp
Appealing to both competitive shooters and concealed-carry practitioners alike, this red-dot optic offers a large viewing window, 10 brightness levels, automatic power management including a motion-detecting sensor and shock- and water-resistance. Designed for the RMR footprint, the Comp has both red and green reticles and even has a multi-reticle option.

Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA dot
Length: 2.1 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $299
(912) 445-5803; chpws.com


C-More Systems | RTS3

C-More Systems | RTS3
The RTS3 features a larger, aspherical lens and high-performance LED for a bright, clear dot. Battery life has also been improved, and this MRDS features a shorter footprint. With a strong, aluminum housing, side-load battery tray, integral baseplate and two night-vision and 10 daylight settings, plus Shake Awake technology and a 30-year warranty, C-More has packed a lot into this red-dot sight.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 25×30 mm
Reticle: 3-, 6-, or 8-MOA red dot
Length: 2.03 inches
Weight: 1.8 ounces
MSRP: $749
(540) 347-4683; cmore.com


Gideon | Guardian LPVO

Gideon | Guardian LPVO
The Guardian changes from a 1X optic for close-range work to a 10X telescopic sight for targets at long range. It sports a BDC reticle for 100 and 300 yards when used with 55-grain 5.56 NATO. There are also 11 brightness settings for the illuminated reticle for use in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: Illuminated 5.56 Ranging BDC
Length: 10.8 inches
Weight: 20.1 ounces
MSRP: $399
(724) 213-9721; gideonoptics.com


Hawke | Endurance Reflex Sight

Hawke | Endurance Reflex Sight
With 10 brightness settings and 3-MOA size, the Endurance dot is easy to find. Optimized for pistols, it is parallax-error-free at 10 yards. It incorporates A.I.M., or Auto Illumination Mode, so it’s ready to go when you are. It mounts directly to an RMSc cut for simplicity, convenience and security. All of this technology is offered at a budget-friendly price.

Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 21 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA circle-dot
Length: 1.6 inches
Weight: .9 ounce
MSRP: $249
(877) 429-5347; hawkeoptics.com


Hawke | Frontier 30 FD

Hawke | Frontier 30 FD
Incorporating low-profile, capped turrets, a reticle with multiple high-intensity LEDs, wide field-of-view and removable zoom magnification throw lever, the Frontier 30 FD is designed with the features shooters demand in an LPVO. Additionally, it has a 30 mm mono-tube chassis, metal flip-up covers and boasts a 10X magnification range, making hits from CQB to long ranges achievable.

Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
Reticle: MOA or Mil fiber dot
Length: 11.1 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
MSRP: $1,199
(877) 429-5347; hawkeoptics.com


Hi-Lux | TD-3E

Hi-Lux | TD-3E
Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, the TD-3E offers an enclosed reflex design that can be quickly attached to any subcompact handgun slide with an RMSc footprint. Shooters can choose from three reticles to suit their needs. Thanks to its shake-awake sensor, the TD-3E boasts 30,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 23×16 mm
Reticle: 40-MOA segmented circle with 3-MOA dot, 3-MOA dot or 40-MOA segmented circle
Length: 1.60 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
MSRP: $249
(310) 257-8142; hi-luxoptics.com


Holosun | DRS-NV

Holosun | DRS-NV
The DRS-NV is Holosun’s fusing of red-dot and digital-night-vision technologies. Incorporated into the unit are an LED MRS (Multiple Reticle System), 1024×768 image resolution, a digital night-vision sensor capable of up to 60 frames-per-second, an 8X digital zoom and on-board storage of digital images and video.

Magnification: Digital; 1X, 2X, 4X, 8X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 31.75×25 mm
Reticle: 65-MOA circle with 2-MOA dot, 2-MOA dot, 65-MOA circle
Length: 3.5 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $1,176
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com


Holosun | DRS-TH

Holosun | DRS-TH
Blending its highly successful red-dot technology with new thermal imaging, Holosun has created a red-dot thermal fusion sight. The LED MRS (Multiple Reticle System) offers a selection of reticle options, while the display presents images with 1024×768 resolution quality.

Magnification: Digital; 1X, 3X, 5X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 31.75×25 mm
Reticle: 65-MOA circle with 2-MOA dot, 2-MOA dot, 65-MOA circle
Length: 3.5 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces
MSRP: $1,882
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com


Holosun | Ronin AEMS Max

Holosun | Ronin AEMS Max
Offering the largest objective lens of any of the company’s optics, the Max is Holosun’s AEMS expanded to gigantic proportions. Its controls are hard to miss, but so is the target. The Ronin AEMS Max features an LED-based reticle available in red or green, and the unit includes Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technologies.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 40×46 mm
Reticle: 65-MOA circle with 2-MOA dot, 2-MOA dot, 65-MOA circle
Length: 2.51 inches
Weight: 10.4 ounces
MSRP: $635
(909) 594-2888; holosun.com


iRayUSA | RICO Hybrid HYH 75W

iRayUSA | RICO Hybrid HYH 75W
Fusing the capabilities of a thermal clip-on and a thermal sight, the Hybrid offers a 3,600-yard detection range as a dedicated thermal sight, or compatibility with day optics up to 10X as an inline, clip-on sight. Its large-format display provides comfortable viewing as a dedicated sight, while still maintaining the pixel density and resolution for use as a clip-on optic.

Magnification: 4-32X
Objective Lens Diameter: 75 mm
Reticle: Nine options (seven static, one DIY, one BDC)
Length: 12 inches
Weight: 45 ounces
MSRP: $7,999
(800) 769-7125; irayusa.com


Leupold | Mark 4HD 1-4.5X

Leupold | Mark 4HD 1-4.5X
Leupold’s new Mark 4HD series includes this low-power, variable optic (LPVO) perfect for the defensive carbine. Featuring motion-sensing technology for the illuminated reticle, a removable throw lever and electronic reticle leveling, this new scope retains the legendary toughness and quality for which Leupold is known.

Magnification: 1-4.5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Illuminated Firedot TMR
Length: 10.7 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $999
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com


Leupold | Mark 4HD 6-24X

Leupold | Mark 4HD 6-24X
Also new in Leupold’s Mark 4HD line are a number of traditional magnified optics, including this 6-24X version that’s well-suited for PRS-style shooting and other long-range pursuits. With three reticle options, a 34 mm main tube, Leupold’s ZeroLock turrets and compatibility with custom dials, finding the right long-range scope in the Mark 4HD family is easy.

Magnification: 6-24X
Objective Lens Diameter: 52 mm
Reticle: PR2-MIL or PR2-MOA
Length: 14.6 inches
Weight: 27.5 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(800) 538-7653; leupold.com


Lucid | E7

Lucid | E7
A reflex optic with a blue reticle makes a lot of sense. A blue-dot reticle is easy to use with night vision and is faster to spot than either a red or green dot. Add in 50,000 hours of battery life, an easy-to-use interface and the popular Acro footprint, and you truly have a blue-light special.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 21×18 mm
Reticle: Lucid M5
Length: 1.78 inches
Weight: 2.65 ounces
MSRP: $299
(307) 463-2633; lucidoptics.com


Meprolight | M22

Meprolight | M22
The latest reflex sight from Israel boasts fiber-optic illumination by day and tritium vials by night, meaning that it will perform in any lighting condition with no need for batteries, ever. The transition between the two systems is instantaneous and automatic. Its rugged, battle-proven construction meets or exceeds rigorous standards to thrive in the harshest environments.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 25.4×20.3 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot, 10-MOA triangle
Length: 3.9 inches
Weight: 9.1 ounces
MSRP: $449
(717) 985-4488; meprolight.com


Meprolight | MPO Pro-F

Meprolight | MPO Pro-F
Built to endure direct impacts and operate in the harshest conditions, this closed-emitter MRDS sports both automatic and manual brightness control. It features a user-selectable, three-segment reticle system, allowing the shooter to choose how they interact with their optic. It mounts to the RMR-footprint.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 24.1×17.8 mm
Reticle: Segmented; 3-MOA dot, 33-MOA ring and 3/33-MOA bullseye
Length: 1.85 inches
Weight: 1.8 ounces
MSRP: $359
(717) 985-4488; meprolight.com


Meprolight | MPO-S

Meprolight | MPO-S
This new MRDS is engineered with a low-profile design to minimize the risk of snags, helping to provide a cleaner, faster draw from concealment. It includes auto and manual brightness control, a power-saving sleep mode and 2.5 years of constant-on illumination. The MPO-S mounts via the RMSc/JPoint footprint.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 20.3×15.2 mm
Reticle: Segmented; 3-MOA dot, 33-MOA ring and 3/33-MOA bullseye
Length: 1.63 inches
Weight: .8 ounce
MSRP: $259
(717) 985-4488; meprolight.com


Nightforce | Configurable Field Spotting Scope (CFS) 6-36x50 mm F1

Nightforce | Configurable Field Spotting Scope (CFS) 6-36×50 mm F1
The new CFS from Nightforce makes the spotter’s job easier, with magnification adjustable to match most long-range shooters, and is available in a field-ready configuration with a straight-tube design, first-focal-plane reticle and central control location.

Magnification: 6-36X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: MOA-XTs, MIL-XTs or Tremor4
Length: 14.1 inches
Weight: 33.7 ounces
MSRP: $2,950
(208) 476-9814; nightforceoptics.com


Primary Arms | GLx RS-15 Mini Reflex Sight

Primary Arms | GLx RS-15 Mini Reflex Sight 
The GLx RS-15 Mini Reflex Sight is designed to perform for both competition and duty-carry purposes. Its large, high-visibility aperture promises superior acquisition and engagement speeds, while the top-loaded CR2032 battery with AutoLive technology ensures a runtime of 1,000 to 5,000 hours, depending on the brightness setting.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 26×20 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot; ACSS Vulcan Dot
Length: 1.84 inches
Weight: 1.11 ounces
MSRP: $359
(713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com


Pulsar | Thermion 2 LRF XL50

Pulsar | Thermion 2 LRF XL50
With adjustments for brightness and contrast, the full-color screen of the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 thermal scope is designed to maximize the detail of the image. Eight color palettes, an internal ballistic calculator, 10 shooting profiles and the ability to withstand recoil up to .375 H&H Mag. are all standard features.

Magnification: 1.75-14X
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
Reticle: Multiple
Length: 16.8 inches
Weight: 36.3 ounces
MSRP: $8,099
(817) 761-1771; pulsarnv.com


Riton | 3 Tactix EED

Riton | 3 Tactix EED
An enclosed-emitter dot sight helps keep your optic free of dust, moisture and other things that could spoil your aiming point. The 3 Tactix EED combines that style of dot with an Aimpoint Acro footprint and adds in plates for the Glock MOS and Trijicon RMR mounting systems to give you a rugged optic that can attach to a wide variety of firearms.

Magnification:1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 21×16.5 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot
Length: 1.73 inches
Weight: 1.83 ounces
MSRP: $349
(855) 397-4866; ritonoptics.com


Shield Sights | AMSc

Shield Sights | AMSc
The RMSc footprint is one of the de facto standards for MRDS optics. Now, Shield has introduced an enclosed-emitter dot sight that uses the same footprint. The AMSc has an anti-reflection coating for a minimal signature, an auto-brightness sensor that is night-vision compatible and is powered by a CR2032 battery.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 19×16 mm
Reticle: 4-MOA or 8-MOA red dot
Length: 1.65 inches
Weight: .75 ounce
MSRP: $569
+44 (0)1297 678233; shieldsights.com


Sightmark | XTM-3

Sightmark | XTM-3
If you’ve been looking for a fixed-power magnifier to augment a red-dot sight on a carbine, Sightmark’s new XTM-3 is touted as the most compact, lightest weight 3X magnifier currently available. A locking, quick-detach mounting system makes it easy to add to or remove from a rail, while a flip-to-the-side mechanism makes taking it out of the way quick and easy.

Magnification: 3X
Objective Lens Diameter: 18 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 3 inches
Weight: 8.1 ounces
MSRP: $249
(817) 383-1163; sightmark.com


Simmons | Pro Target Tube Red Dot

Simmons | Pro Target Tube Red Dot
Looking to get into the world of red-dot sights without burning a hole in your wallet? The Simmons Pro Target Reflex Red Dot has the features you need in a dot sight, like a bright, 4-MOA dot and variable brightness settings. It mounts on a Picatinny rail and does so at a price that leaves you plenty of cash for practice ammo.

Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot
Length: 2.6 inches
Weight: 4.2 ounces
MSRP: $69
(800) 221-9035; bushnell.com


Steiner | T1Xi

Steiner | T1Xi
In addition to its choice of three reticles, the Steiner T1Xi offers enhanced versatility in the form of 11 illumination levels—including nine day/night- and two night-vision-compatible modes—all at the push of a button. It also boasts a 50,000-hour run time on a single CR2023 battery.

Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: 60-MOA circle with 2-MOA dot, 60-MOA circle, 2-MOA dot
Length: 3.2 inches
Weight: 5.4 ounces
MSRP: $795
(888) 550-6255; steiner-optics.com


Swampfox | Tomahawk II

Swampfox | Tomahawk II
Available in 1-4×24 mm and 1-6×24 mm configurations and a variety of colored second-focal-plane illuminated reticles, the Tomahawk II features new push/pull locking elevation turret with zero reset and 12 illumination settings. Its 30 mm main tube offers plenty of elevation and windage adjustment.

Magnification: 1-6X
Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
Reticle: Bright Fiber Optic (BFO) or Guerilla Dot BRC
Length: 10.6 inches
Weight: 20.3 ounces
MSRP: $449
(720) 389-6719; swampfoxoptics.com


Tract | Toric 65 mm Spotting Scope

Tract | Toric 65 mm Spotting Scope
This new angled-body spotting scope boasts the Toric Ultra High Definition optical system, which is comprised of Schott HT (High Transmission) glass and an ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lens, giving customers sharp, bright images. It comes with a 22-45X eyepiece, and 18X and 25X eyepieces with MRAD reticles are available separately, as is a straight version of the spotting scope.

Magnification: 22-45X
Objective Lens Diameter: 65 mm
Reticle: N/A
Length: 14.5 inches
Weight: 52 ounces
MSRP: $1,294
(631) 662-7354; tractoptics.com


Trijicon | Credo 1-10x28

Trijicon | Credo 1-10×28
Designed for effective employment from CQB to extended ranges, the Credo is a tactical LPVO from one of the most trusted names in military optics. This first-focal-plane scope has a 34 mm tube and an illuminated reticle with subtle wind holds. It uses multi-coated, anti-reflective glass for superior optical performance.

Magnification: 1-10X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: Segmented circle (enhanced)
Length: 10.1 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces
MSRP: $2,150
(800) 338-0563; trijicon.com


UTG | Integrix iX8 1-8x28 FFP LPVO

UTG | Integrix iX8 1-8×28 FFP LPVO
This LPVO sports an 8X magnification range and uses individually tested German and Japanese glass that promises outstanding image quality. It is rugged, rated for use in extreme cold and heat and on rifles up to .338 Lapua Mag. Its illuminated reticle has 10 brightness settings and features both red and green options, along with a 12-hour automatic shutoff.

Magnification: 1-8X
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm
Reticle: A1 MOA CQB Reticle
Length: 10.9 inches
Weight: 25.3 ounces
MSRP: $1,399
(734) 542-1500; leapers.com


Viridian | MDS35

Viridian | MDS35
The square shape of the Viridian MDS35 lets you add more sight picture to your sighting system, and the 3-MOA green dot inside that huge viewing area makes sure your shots are on-target. The sight uses the Aimpoint T2 footprint and is powered by a CR2032 battery for up to 30,000 hours of life on medium-power setting.

Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 36×36 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA green dot
Length: 3 inches
Weight: 11.6 ounces
MSRP: $499
(763) 497-4091; viridianweapontech.com


X-Vision Optics | Flex 2 Thermal Reflex Sight

X-Vision Optics | Flex 2 Thermal Reflex Sight
While most thermal sights use traditional, magnified-optic footprints, the new X-Vision Optics Flex 2 is designed like a reflex sight, complete with a simple, quick-release mount. This smaller footprint still allows 1-4X magnification with detection out to 1,700 yards, customizable color palette and reticle choices, a waterproof chassis and intuitive controls.

Magnification: 1-4X
Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
Reticle: Six options
Length: 3.5 inches
Weight: 17 ounces
MSRP: $3,499
(833) 993-2383; xvisionoptics.com

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