Check out the following 29 optics and sights for some of the best 2014 has to offer.
Aimpoint Micro T-1
LE and military forces have used Aimpoint red-dot sights for over 20 years. The Micro T-1 is battle proven and performs under extreme conditions. The reticle dot is available either in either 2-MOA or 4-MOA. It is non-magnifying and weighs less than 4 ounces and can be piggybacked on larger magnifying scopes as a close-quarters battle (CQB) sight. It is also compatible with all generations of night-vision devices. (aimpoint.com; 877-246-7646)
ATN Corp TICO-336
The American Technologies Network Corp. TICO-336 series of thermal-imaging optics mount in front of a daytime scope, enabling thermal vision in day or nighttime operations. The 1x power TICO-336 has a 336×256 microbolometer sensor and a frame rate of 60 Hz. The display is a color OLED matrix with video output capabilities. No re-zeroing is needed when remounting. It uses two CR123A batteries and battery life is two hours. The unit weighs 1.45 pounds. (atncorp.com; 800-910-2862)
Barska AR6 1-6x24mm
The AR6 1-6x24mm rifle scope is designed for short to mid-range tactical shooting and hunting. The 30mm tube design and fully coated optics provide high light transmission for a bright, crisp image. It features Barska’s 30/30 duplex-style reticle. The reticle illuminates in either red or green. It is powered by one CR2032 battery. Flip-up lens caps and cantilever mount are included. (barska.com; 888-666-6769)
Browe 4x32mm BSO
The BSO (Browe Sport Optic) is purpose built for AR rifles and carbines and manufactured from solid billet 6061-T6 aluminum. The rugged BSO is waterproof, lightweight and fog proof. The lenses are premium Schott glass and the ranging reticle is etched into the lens. For low-light conditions, the reticle illuminates in either green or blue, and uses Rechargeable Illumination Technology (RIT) that is battery free. Charge the RIT reticle with any light source for hours of low-light reticle illumination. A brief 15 second charge from a high intensity flashlight provides hours of reticle illumination. Seven reticle options are also available. Finishes include either matte black or Flat Dark Earth. (browe-inc.com; 800-407-3150)
BSA Tactical Weapon 223 Scope series
The Tactical Weapon 223 Scope series is specifically designed for military and LE applications. Five models include a fixed-power 4x30mm and variable power 1-4x24mm, 27x32mm, 312x40mm and 618x40mm models. Two sets of interchangeable turret caps calibrated for .223 Rem. or .300 Blackout are included. Turret caps for .223 are color coded for 55-, 69- and 75-grain bullets. The 300 Blackout caps are calibrated for 115-, 125- and 220-grain bullets. All scopes feature a mil-dot style reticle. (bsaoptics.com; 954-581-2144)
Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-6.5x24mm
The compact Bushnell SMRS scope offers low to medium power for short- to medium-range work. Two illuminated and ranging first focal plane reticles are available—BTR-1 and BTR-2. The one-piece 30mm tube is forged aluminum and wears a blacked-out finish. Lenses are fully coated and include RainGuard HD. Turret clicks are adjustable in 0.1-mil increments. A side dial adjusts parallax. (bushnell.com; 800-423-3537)
Bushnell 1x28mm Red Dot Sights
Two 1x28mm red-dot sights Bushnell specifically built for ARs feature multi-coated optics for enhanced image clarity and quality, and they are waterproof and fog-proof. The 1x28mm Standard model includes a 6-MOA red-dot reticle for simplicity and quick target acquisition. With 11 brightness settings, the red-dot can be adjusted for most light conditions. The 1x28mm Multi-Reticle model features four reticle options—fine dot, standard dot, T-shaped reticle, dot within a circle—that are selected by using a dial on the side of the sight. The reticle can be illuminated in red or green with five brightness settings. Both models include mounting rings to fit a Weaver-style base or a Picatinny rail. (bushnell.com; 800-423-3537)
Bushnell AR Optics 2-7x 32mm Rimfire Riflescope
The 2-7x power range scope has a bullet-drop compensation (BDC) reticle for precision shooting with .22 LR AR-style rifles. The unit offers fully multi-coated optics for optimal light transmission and a fast-focus eyepiece for a clear sight picture. The reticle offers a 50-yard zero and aiming points out to 200 yards. It has a 1-inch tube and easy-to-operate target turrets for windage and elevation adjustments. (bushnell.com; 800-423-3537)
Bushnell TRS-25 HiRise
Getting a red-dot eye level on an AR requires the right height mount. The TRS-25 HiRise from Bushnell comes with a riser block that positions the TRS-25 at the optimal height when mounted on an AR-15 flattop rifle. The TRS-25 HiRise features a 3-MOA red dot with 11 brightness settings for scenarios that range from low light to bright sunlight. Multi-coated optics enhance light transmission while the proprietary Amber-Bright lens coating reduces glare. The sight is waterproof, fog proof and shockproof, providing all-weather performance and long-term reliability in all types of field conditions. Included is a one-piece rubber cover that protects both lenses. (bushnell.com; 800-423-3537)
Bushnell First Strike HiRise
The Bushnell First Strike HiRise reflex sight includes a riser block that elevates the sight to proper eye level when mounted on a flattop AR carbine or rifle. The First Strike reflex features a 5-MOA dot reticle with an automatic brightness adjustment that adjusts illumination based on variable light conditions. It is waterproof and designed to withstand heavy recoil. The integrated HiRise base can be quickly mounted on a Weaver-style base or Picatinny rail. Included is a protective hood that covers the sight. (bushnell.com; 800-423-3537)
C-More RTS2 Reflex Sight
The RTS2 is one of C-More Systems’ smallest sights and features a large rounded Headsup display for fast target acquisition, and a removable battery tray. Two reticle options are available, either a 3-MOA or 6-MOA dot. A 10-position manually operated push button switch provides precision intensity adjustment, previous intensity return, and auto-off after 8 hours of inactivity. A Picatinny/Weaver-style mount is provided. (cmore.com; 888-265-8266)
CenterPoint Tactical SE Lite Enclosed Micro Reflex Sight
The CenterPoint SE Lite Enclosed Reflex Sight’s streamlined design gives it a slimmer profile, while the integrated Class IIIa red laser allows for fast target acquisition. The SE Lite features a 3 MOA red or green dot with multiple brightness settings, is night vision compatible and comes equipped with an integrated Picatinny mounting system. (centerpointhunting.com; 800-726-1122)
EOTech 512/552 HWS & Laser Combo
The EOTech 512 and 552 holographic reflex offer super fast target acquisition with the added versatility of the red aiming laser and IR laser, making them well suited for home defense and CQB tasks. The 512 and 552 units are each powered by two AA batteries for up to 60 hours. Users can upgrade their existing 512/552 sights with the just the Laser Battery Cap or purchase the 512.LBC and 552.LBC models, which combine the reflex sight and the Laser Battery Cap. (eotech-inc.com; 888-368-4656)
Hi-Lux Tac-Dot Reflex Sight
The compact Tac-Dot reflex red-dot sight has 1x magnification and is only 2.5 inches in length and weighs a little over 2 ounces. The illuminated dot in the 4-MOA reticle does not have to be perfectly centered in the lens for accurate shooting, making it a good choice on moving targets as well as stationary targets. It is waterproof and shockproof, and mounts on a Weaver-style rail. (hi-luxoptics.com; 888-445-8912)
IC2 Co-Witness
The IC2 Co-Witness mount is an optics mounting rail designed to let a second person see what is being targeted by the shooter. The base of the mount attaches to an existing optic with a scope ring; the second optic can then be mounted at the opposite end of the mount. (ic2cowitness.com; 641-895-1815)
Konus T30 3-12x50mm
The sleek and compact T30 3-12x50mm scope is made with a 30mm tube and a multi-coated lens for maximum light transmission. It features a glass-engraved, mil-dot, illuminated reticle, a fast focus ocular and ¼-MOA finger adjustment turrets. (konuspro.com; 305-884-7618)
Konus SightPro Atomic QR
The lightweight SightPro Atomic QR tactical sight has an integrated 1-inch riser for use on AR-style rifles so it mounts at the correct eye level. The reticle is a 4-MOA red dot. The base is compatible with Weaver or Picatinny rails. The entire unit weighs 6.5 ounces and measures 2.5 inches in length. (konuspro.com; 305-884-7618)
Leupold DeltaPoint 2
The next generation of the DeltaPoint, the DeltaPoint 2 retains the patented motion-sensor technology of the original, which instantly detects motion and activates while automatically adjusting the brightness to the environment, but now also includes a manual brightness adjustment for users who prefer brighter or dimmer dots. (leupold.com; 503-538-7653)
Meopta R2 1-6x24mm RD
The R2 1-6x24mm RD rifle scope has a 6x zoom power range. The illuminated reticle options allow for fast target acquisition. The unit has eight illumination intensity settings. It is well suited on the AR platform for CQB situations and is constructed with a 30mm tube body and adjustment turrets offering ½-MOA per click at 100 yards. (meoptasportsoptics.com; 800-828-8928)
Millett Designated Marksman Scope
The 1-4x24mm DMS (Designated Marksman Scope) is a compact and rugged scope with 1-4x magnification power and a 24mm objective. The 30mm tube has a matte black finish and the illuminated reticle is a donut-dot pattern; the dot is 1 MOA and the donut is 18 MOA. (millettsights.com; 888-276-5945)
Minox ZA 5 HD 1.2-6x24mm
The ZA 5 HD 1.2-6x24mm rifle scope has high-definition optics, the Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) optical system and 5x zoom capability. Built with a 30mm and fully multi-coated lens, the scope also features quick, lockable target adjustment with ½-inch clicks at 100 yards, and illuminated tactical reticles in the second focal plane. (minox.com/usa; 866-469-3080)
Nightforce Optics NXS Compact Riflescope
The NXS 2.5-10x42mm Compact Riflescope incorporates a larger objective lens than previous NXS 2.5-10x models, so it is effective in low light without compromising weight and size. It has Digillum digital reticle illumination technology and is compatible with night-vision equipment. It is offered with .250-MOA Hi-Speed or 0.1-mil-radian adjustments in exposed target-style configurations, or with capped/enclosed adjustments in .250 MOA only. (nightforceoptics.com; 208-476-9814)
Redfield Battlezone 6-18x44mm
The Battlezone 6-18x44mm features a fully multi-coated lens, a Bullet Drop Compensation System and TAC-MOA reticle. The Bullet Drop Compensation System comes with two adjustment dials calibrated in .223 Rem./5.56mm NATO (55-grain bullets at 3,100 fps) and .308 Win./7.62mm NATO (168-grain bullets at 2,650 fps). Constructed with a 1-inch tube body, it offers ¼-MOA finger adjustment turrets. (redfield.com; 877-798-9686)
Trijicon VCOG 1-6x24mm
Trijicon’s Variable Combat Optical Gunsight (VCOG) 1-6x24mm scope was designed to engage targets at close to medium range. It is constructed from a 7075-T6 aluminum forging and wears a mil spec, hardcoat anodized finish. Lenses are all fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission. The VCOG offers six illuminated reticle options and is powered by an AA battery with a run time of 700 continuous hours at mid-level brightness. (trijicon.com; 800-338-0563)
TruGlo Triton 30mm
The Triton 30mm Tri-Color red-dot sight incorporates a 5-MOA dot reticle in three reticle colors (red, green and blue). It is constructed of lightweight CNC-machined aluminum with multi-coated lenses for more light transmission. It includes rings, a cantilever mount, flip-up lens covers and one CR2032 battery. (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)
TruGlo Tru-Brite Xtreme Compact Tactical Rifle Scope
The TRU-BRITE Xtreme Compact Tactical Rifle Scope combo offers a dual-color (red and green) mil-dot illuminated reticle, or it can be used in black without illumination. Offers a generous 4-inch eye-relief. It is waterproof and fog proof, and includes one-piece 1-inch rings and mount. (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)
U.S. Optics SR-4C 1-4x
The SR-4C 1-4x red-dot sight features a true 1x power with a daylight-visible, 4-MOA red dot mil-scale reticle set in the second focal plane. There are 12 pre-programmed illumination intensity settings; four of the settings are night-vision compatible. It uses a lightweight 30mm aluminum body and the overall unit is only 9.25 inches long. (usoptics.com; 714-582-1956)
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24
The Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 is designed for short- to medium-range tactical applications. Compact with a 30mm tube, it weighs slightly over 25 ounces and is 10 inches long. The illuminated JM-1 BDC reticle was designed with input from competitive shooter Jerry Miculek, and uses a center dot in crosshairs for rapid, accurate shooting at distances from point blank to 600 yards. The reticle is in the second focal plane so it remains a constant size through the magnification range. (vortexoptics.com; 800-426-0048)
Weaver KASPA Tactical 1.5-6x32mm
The KASPA 1.5-6x32mm tactical scope features a rugged one-piece tube, a fully multi-coated lens and ¼-MOA click value adjustments at 100 yards. The illuminated Tactical Ballistic-X (TBX) glass-etched reticle is located in the second focal plane and is powered by one CR2032 battery. (weaveroptics.com; 800-379-1732)
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