Optics

The Maven Optics S1.2S-25-50x80 Spotting scope was provided by Maven for this review, and while I am allowed to keep this optic after the conclusion of this review, it will not impact my current or future opinions on the brand and their products. The Maven Optics S1.2S - 25-50x80 has been used extensively over the past 9 months on the range and at a local farm.

Burris has introduced the fifth generation of its Fullfield riflescope series, marking fifty years since the original model was launched. The first Fullfield scopes were known for providing a wider field of view and improved light transmission compared to many contemporary optics, establishing the line as a popular choice among big-game hunters in the United States.

I think we’ve all been there, or maybe the rest of you just have better taste than I do - Budget Optics. How cheap is too cheap? About a month ago, I was given the opportunity to test just one, but two MCG Tactical Stinger Combat Optics, which claim to be built to Mil Spec Precision so that they can survive the roughest conditions. Additionally, they claim in their copy that “it’s the same elite optic trusted by special ops, now available to civilians at a fraction of the cost.” Today, we’ll evaluate not only those claims but how the optic itself has actually performed so far.

In this review, we take a closer look at the new Kahles K18i-2 low power variable optic (LPVO), with a focus on practical shooting. Dynamic rifle shooting is a discipline that demands speed, precision, and adaptability. All at once, and under the pressure of getting the maximum out of yourself and your gear in as short a time as possible. Optics that don’t enhance your performance under these kinds of circumstances usually don’t stay on top competitors’ rifles for long.

Nocpix has announced the Nite D70R, a new digital day and night riflescope designed for hunters seeking improved image clarity and long-range precision. The Nite D70R combines a 70mm objective lens and 5× base magnification with a 4K Ultra sensor (3536×3536, 12MP) that is said to offer about 50% higher pixel density than conventional 4K systems and provide sharper detail, improved color reproduction, and consistent performance across varied environments.

As an experienced IPSC competitor, trying to specialize in the rifle and pistol caliber carbine (PCC) divisions, I've put countless optics through the test over the years, both for reviews and my own training. I've competed in numerous national and international events, including the first IPSC PCC 2025 World Shoot in the Czech Republic, where precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable. About three years ago, I purchased the Holosun HS510C from an authorized dealer at full list price (close to $550 at the time), mounting it on my competition PCC. A friend had the same optical setup, and I copied it. He has since moved forward to several other solutions and brands, but I kept my PCC the same.

Nocpix has announced the new RICO 2 Series of thermal weapon sights, a lineup aimed at hunters and shooters looking for advanced performance in the field. The series includes four models: the S75R, H75R, H50R, and L42R. All RICO 2 optics feature a ≤15 or ≤18 mK NETD rating, a 2560×2560 round AMOLED display, and a smooth digital zoom system. Each unit also integrates a 1,200-yard laser rangefinder with a built-in ballistic calculator. Users can input velocity and ballistic coefficient to receive instant drop calculations for long-range shots. RICO is short for Rugged Infrared Compact Optic.

AGM Global Vision has announced the release of the RattlerV3 series, the newest generation of its Rattler thermal riflescopes. The lineup includes the RattlerV3 LRF 35-384 and RattlerV3 LRF 35-640, both equipped with a 1,000-meter laser rangefinder and on-board ballistic calculator, and the RattlerV3 25-384, which offers the same updated imaging technology in a more compact design without an integrated LRF. All models bring shutterless operation, improved thermal sensitivity, updated imaging algorithms, and long-range capability.

The 300 Blackout cartridge was born for suppression, and it would be a shame not to. When I took these images, I didn’t realize how big the ASE Utra suppressor was in comparison to the rest of the rifle and the handguard. But it does do its job with five stars, quietly and effectively. Originally crafted by AAC, the 300 Blackout Honey Badger is now somewhat forgotten. But at the time, I just had to make a clone of this legend. This one runs a 7.5” Lothar Walther barrel. I was actually advised by ACC to go up in length.

Vortex is not done with their introduction of new optics and mounts, and this week is no exception. The Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot is designed for reliable performance in all conditions. Its enclosed 6061 aluminum housing shields the optic from rain, dust, and snow, while the aspherical lens delivers a distortion-free sight picture with accurate color representation.

It’s probably that time of the year when we’re supposed to upgrade our firearms and optics. Vortex seems to think so, with the launch of the Vortex Defender-CCW and Defender-ST Enclosed Solar Micro Red Dots, said to be engineered for reliability in competition and duty. Their fully enclosed design shields against weather, holster wear, and accidental impacts.

You’re on the range and unbagging your brand-new rifle. The air is still, and the sun is high in the sky. You load and make ready. You aim, and with a press of the trigger, let the perfect shot off. The sweet smell of burnt gunpowder and gun oil enters the air, and the action cycles. For a moment, you’re satisfied with your rifle, until you begin to wonder if you made the right choice in optic type. The debate of a red dot and magnifier combo vs an LPVO has been had by many people, and to be honest, I’m not sure if I’m dedicated to one camp either. Let’s talk about some pros and cons, and why you might want to pick one over the other.

Trijicon has released a 3.25 MOA Green Dot variant of the RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED reflex sight. The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) is well known on the market, but until now it hasn’t been available with a green dot of this small size. Manufactured in the USA, the RMR Type 2 is constructed from forged 7075-T6 aluminum to MIL-spec standards. It has been tested in extreme conditions by U.S. Special Operations, law enforcement, and hunters.

It’s time for TFB’s Photo Of The Day and a series of extremely fresh images of the new Aimpoint Duty RDS MR multi-reticle red dot. This red dot sight was literally delivered to me earlier today, and I removed the current setup (an Aimpoint Comp M5b 2 MOA) from my B&T APC9. The Aimpoint Duty RDS MR runs a 2 MOA dot and or a 65 MOA circle. I begged for Aimpoint to send me a 3x Magnifier as well, and the wish was fulfilled, and I look forward to trying them together. First, time for some unboxing. If anyone cares, this is probably Aimpoint's best box ever, with a Police-blue interior.

For more than a few of my rifles, I’m looking for a riflescope that’s a good combination for both hunting and competition scenarios. It seems that the German high-end riflescope manufacturer Schmidt & Bender has a really interesting solution, as they unveil the next evolution with the 3-18x42 Meta (First Focal Plane). This scope blends those features needed, has a proven performance, with a sleek, modern design.

I first saw them at the SHOT Show at the beginning of this year, but for some unknown reason, we forgot to cover their story. So this is DOT’s, or Dynamic Optronic Technologies, first appearance here at TFB, but most likely not the last. Just in time for this story, they now also offer their holographic sight in FDE - which I think looks great! The EHS-1 Enhanced Holographic Sight is described as a cutting-edge optic designed to redefine accuracy and reliability for both professional and enthusiast shooters. Priced at $599.99, the EHS-1 combines rugged construction with advanced features.

The new Vortex Crossfire HD riflescope series includes models for various hunting styles, such as rimfire, muzzleloader, straight-wall, and scout. Each model is designed for specific hunting applications. These riflescopes feature HD glass, which provides improved light transmission and resolution compared to standard glass, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.

Officially unveiled earlier this week on August 27, 2025, by the Swedish red dot OGs at Aimpoint, the new Aimpoint Duty RDS MR brings new Multi-Reticle (MR) functionality to the compact red dot sight platform that is intended to be a slightly more budget-friendly yet feature-rich version of some of Aimpoint's other legendary red dot offerings. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of the new sight just a day before launch day, and although my range time has been brief with the new sight. I figured it’d be a great idea to bring you guys a quick “first look” article to see what the new platform is offering vs the old, as well as what people can expect from one of Aimpoint's more affordable red dot options for rifles and shotguns.

Aimpoint, the company that developed the first red dot sight, has introduced the Duty RDS MR, its first optic with a selectable Multi-Reticle (MR) system. The sight provides three reticle options: a precision 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or a combination of both, allowing users to adapt to different scenarios.

Photo Of The Day and these images are probably the freshest we have ever presented, as they were taken earlier today, only moments ago. Let’s quickly forget about the G45 and focus on the OMSsc (Open Mini Sight Sub Compact) red dot from Shield Sights, which is claiming to feature the World’s first translucent roof. It uses Shield’s standard footprint, and if we’re to believe the specs, it’s the smallest micro red dot optic on the market.

Glock’s new COA series — short for “Carry Optic Advantage” — represents the company’s most significant factory configuration shift in years. This isn’t just a new model or generational refresh. The Glock 45 COA, for example, pairs a proven platform with a purpose-built enclosed emitter red dot system, pre-installed and ready out of the box.

So you’ve got a modern sporting rifle, and you want to see what’s beyond that red dot or those iron sights? But you’re not really interested in spending a lot of money? It seems SIG Sauer’s got you covered with their new TANGO-MSR Compact riflescopes. Measuring just 8.4" long and weighing 14.5 oz, it’s ideal for your kind of rifle. I don’t really use red dots on any of my rifle caliber firearms; I keep the red dots for pistol caliber firearms, but the final judgment may depend on what the purpose of the rifle or carbine is.

Do you have an optics-ready pistol and want to mount an enclosed red dot sight? Do you want to avoid the headache of trying to find the right optic, optic plate, and screw combo? If so, Meprolight may have you covered. Meprolight has introduced a direct mounting plate for their MPO PRO-F enclosed optic. The optic plate is pistol-specific for Glock MOS, FN509, HK VP9, and IWI Masada pistols.

It’s been eight years since its introduction, and it’s now time for the VX-5HD Gen 2. It’s available in six configurations: 1-5x24, 2-10x42, 3-15x44, 3-15x50, 3-15x56, and 4-20x52. The VX-5HD Gen 2 is designed for hunters needing reliable performance in tough conditions. It features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System for clear visuals, with strong light transmission, glare reduction, and sharp resolution. The scopes include Guard-Ion lens coatings to repel dirt and water, ensuring clarity across the entire field of view.

No gunpowder, just air power in this Photo Of The Day! However, this new air-driven beast has been keeping me quite busy this summer, and I’ve enjoyed every moment with it. Shooting airguns is underrated, for sure. Do they replace the real thing? No!

Primary Arms Optics has released the SLx RS-10R Mini Reflex Sight, an RMR footprint pistol red dot designed to fit various optics-ready slides and mounts. It was introduced at SHOT Show 2025 and is now available for $209.99 through Primary Arms and its authorized dealers.

At the time of writing, there are only 18 pieces left out of 20 made, making this Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II a true limited edition. You would think that the reincarnation of the legendary Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä would order something like this. In fact, and for once, the initial demand didn’t come from a military contract, but from a long-time customer. It wouldn’t surprise me if all these end up on white-outed Sakos and Tikkas up in the North, close to the Eastern border of Finland.

Meprolight is a company long known for crafting 1x red dot optics for everything from the AR-15 platform to shotguns, traditional rifles, and more. In recent years, they have begun to produce handgun micro optics, which you may have noticed in the bevy of reviews we have been producing. Next on their checklist of quality glass is variable optics. Or, as Meprolight likes to call their riflescopes, “MVO” - Meprolight Variable Optic. So, today we are going to take a look at one of Meprolight’s LPVO (low powered variable optic) options - the Meprolight MVO 1-8x28mm FFP M1 MRAD. Let’s dive in!

Holosun has released two new optics, the AEMS PRO X2 and AEMS CORE X2, designed for reliable performance across various shooting scenarios. Both models feature a 1.1 x 0.87-inch sight window for clear target acquisition and a wide field of view. They offer 50 MOA of windage and elevation travel with 0.5 MOA adjustments per click. Powered by a CR2032 battery, these optics include Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology and Last Setting Recall, providing up to 50,000 hours of battery life.