Scopes

The right optic is a cornerstone of your firearm. They can add range, reliability, or target acquisition speed. A gun without an optic is like a car without a steering wheel. There are numerous different optics on the market, but how do you choose the right one for you?

When Vortex launched the Strike Eagle 3-18x44 FFP, they created something different in a market flooded with 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x LPVOs. This isn't your typical close-quarters optic—it's built for shooters who want some real versatility without compromising on either end of the magnification spectrum. After putting 200 rounds downrange with this scope mounted on a "long-range" AR build, here's what you need to know.

Winchester recently established their own optics line under the name Winchester Supreme Optics, the launch of which included a slew of practical offerings. Right off the bat, Winchester Supreme Optics offers binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and rifle scopes. As the title of today’s review suggests, we’ll take a look at the Winchester Supreme 1-4x24mm LPVO rifle scope. Let’s see how Winchester’s first optics line checks out.

The Primary Arms PLxC 1-8X24 FFP scope was recently named by TFB the best optic for the AR-15, so it’s time for a heads up, as they just launched a new variant of their PLxC 1-8x24mm Second Focal Plane Compact Rifle Scope. It now features the ACSS NOVA 5.56/.308 Fiber Wire Reticle. Offered in black or flat dark earth, this LPVO is designed for users running modern sporting rifles or tactical carbines who want a lightweight optic with extended capabilities.

LPVOs have become a popular choice among shooters due to their versatility, providing a compromise between red dots and traditional optics with the ability to engage targets from 1x up to 10x magnification in some instances. Having been a fan for years, I love an optic that provides illumination when needed but isn’t beholden to battery life for general use. While I tend to keep my LPVOs set to 1x, there’s no mistaking usefulness in the ability to go from fast close-quarter target acquisition to precise mid to long-range positive identification and engagement. For these reasons, LPVOs have flooded the marketplace throughout every price range, but sifting through more budget-friendly options and looking for great value can be difficult because there are so many players, especially compared to well-established higher-priced behemoths like the Nightforce ATACR, Vortex Razor, and Trijicon VCOG. Today, I’ll make that job a little easier by addressing what I believe is the best LPVO for your money under $500: The   Griffin Armament   1-10 Mil-R SFP.

This is a review of the Schmidt & Bender 6-36x56 PM II riflescope. It is specifically designed for medium to extreme long-range shooting, and has an exceptional field of view. Everything about the design of the new 6-36x56 PM II is pretty traditional and conservative. But who can blame Schmidt & Bender? Their concept is very successful and their optics are famous both for image quality and durability with the best military and police forces on the customer list.

To commemorate its fifty-year milestone, Burris Optics has unveiled its redesigned fifth-generation Fullfield riflescope series. Reimagined from the ground up, new Fullfield rifle scopes will preserve the legacy of enhanced optical clarity and wide field of view from previous generations, characteristics that have cemented them as a staple among hunters, while incorporating modern features and advanced technologies like the Burris Knob Synergy System.

Primary Arms just dropped their latest LPVO at IWA 2025, and the PLx Compact 1-8x24mm is a game-changer. Featuring their new Red Dot Bright (RDB) illumination, this optic delivers true daylight-bright visibility, making the ACSS Raptor M8 reticle faster and clearer than ever. Built on a compact, lightweight 30mm tube with Japanese ED glass, a first focal plane reticle, and AutoLive motion-sensing tech, this is the most advanced 1-8x Primary Arms has ever released.

Zero Compromise Optic is pushing the limits of LPVO performance with the all-new ZC210, a 2-10x30mm scope designed for professional shooters, law enforcement, and hunters alike. With a lighter, more compact design, the ZC210 features a precision-engineered reticle system, a parallax adjustment from 8m to infinity, and lockable elevation and windage turrets for ultimate accuracy. Offering red and green illumination, a rugged 36mm tube, and a waterproof construction rated to 4 meters, this optic delivers versatility and durability for any mission. Check it out from IWA 2025.

At Jagd & Hund, Europe’s largest hunting trade show, Swarovski Optics expanded their Z8i line with a high-magnification rifle scope. The Z8i+ 5-40x56 is the first of its kind in the premium hunting segment, combining sharp optics with a wide field of view for precise target acquisition. Designed for long-range hunting, it delivers exceptional detail even at 40x magnification. This latest addition to the Z8i series—now totaling eight models—will be available at select retailers starting February 2025.

ZeroTech Optics has announced the first variable magnification prism scope. Other manufacturers have produced prism scopes that could switch between 1x and 4x (like the Elcan Spectre), but a true variable is new. Let’s dig into the specs.

There is nothing better at SHOT Show than turning up to a booth and getting a great run down on a whole host of cool new products. Meprolight treated me to the low down on a whole range of optics ranging from small red dots all the way up to variable power scopes. Let's dive in.

SHOT Show is generally a time for new, new new: New guns, new ammo, new optics, new scopes. But for one company, it’s a birthday celebration; Sightmark celebrates its anniversary at SHOT Show, as that’s where it was born, at SHOT Show in 2007. But the company’s roots actually go back much further, as its parent company, Sellmark, is celebrating 25 years of business this year. Founder James Sellers says the company is successful today for the same reason they’ve managed to build what they’ve done so far: They sell products in a market they’re passionate about, while offering value to the customer.

New for 2025 EOTech has added an ultra-compact 3-9 scope to their Vudu lineup and @Hoplopfheil stopped by to check it out, and get height mogged by John from EOTech. The new super short variable will be offered with or without a piggyback EFLX red dot, and may have a variety of reticle options in the future.

Illinois-based optics manufacturers Armasight have entered the booming thermal market with a new magnified thermal optic and a thermal clip on to upgrade your existing optic.

The new VX-6HD Gen 2 line is launching with an impressive six different models which boast four different reticle options. Fairly aimed at the hunting market the VX-6HD has a range of premium features.

Trijicon needs no introduction, being one of the most established optics manufacturers in the United States. They presented several new optics at SHOT Show 2025. Those models include expansions to the Huron and Ascent rifle scope lines and a new MRO HD Patrol.

This is a review of the Nocpix ACE H50R Thermal Riflescope, with a 640×512 thermal sensor. The ACE 50R is a high-end product, although Nocpix actually has an even higher-end model with a 1280x1024 sensor called S60R. The Nocpix ACE 50R has some exciting features like 3x optical zoom, a claimed 15mK NETD, 60 Hz, recoil-activated recording and a gallery function so that you can replay your videos and photos in the ocular. For those who missed TFB’s introduction, Nocpix is a brand by InfiRay Technologies.

This is a review of the brand new Kahles K540i DLR premium riflescope. The K540i is designed for precision shooting at extreme ranges, boasting an impressive 5-40x magnification range. TFB is the only international publication chosen to review this riflescope before its official release.

Under the motto “Unmatched precision”, Pulsar are releasing three new Thermion 2 LRF 60 thermal riflescopes. The new Thermion 60s are specifically designed for hunting small, fast-moving targets at extended ranges, making them especially effective for pest and predator control. Below is a breakdown of their key features and updates.

Photo Of The Day where we take a closer look at the new Thermal Riflescope from Nocpix. This model is called ACE 50R, and as the sun dips below the horizon and the forest begins to darken, a thermal riflescope becomes any hunter’s greatest ally for hunting wild boar. With daylight fading, these elusive animals come alive under the cover of night, but a thermal turns the tables in my favor.

Hawke has just updated its Frontier 30 lineup with two new variations. According to their PR, the new Hawke 30 FD L4A and LRX optics are both aimed at the target shooting, tactical and hunting markets. Let’s see what they’re about.

DNT Optics is a new player in the optics space. Most of their lineup focuses on night vision and thermal optics, but they also have a new traditional rifle scope. Known as TheOne, it is a first focal plane 7-35x56 scope designed for long-range use. I am always game for trying a new scope, and when DNT offered to let me try one out I agreed.

“Dual focal plane” and “March Scopes” are not terms in the vernacular of the average shooter. But when the opportunity came along to test out a March Scopes FX 1.5-15x42 with such a reticle, I was fully on board to try it out. This is a unique scope with a lot of capability, and I hope you find this review informative.

Knock, knock, and open the door for another Photo Of The Day! If you like the LWRCI REPR Mk II in OD Green you’re going to like these photos. This one is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and has the 22” Proof Research barrel in carbon fiber. This version was called “Elite”, a version that is no longer available as an option for unknown reasons. I got one of the last ones ever made.

This is a review of the Delta Optical Stryker HD 1-10x28 SDOG-1 (MRAD) riflescope. This is a compact Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) with a reticle in the First Focal Plane (FFP), parallax adjustment and exposed lockable turrets. The brand Delta Optical is from Poland, but this sight is Made In Japan. When asking around, the brand is typically described as offering optics with a blend of wide magnification, illuminated reticles, good twilight performance, sharp optics, and affordability. There is always a strong demand for high-quality optics at reasonable prices, and there are many reasons to include Delta when you’re on the market for new glass.

Warne has a new product line of lightweight scope rings. The HyperLite series rings are made from “MagnaFusion” alloy, which Warne claims is 35% lighter than similar aluminum rings. Let’s take a closer look at the features.

When it comes to optic durability, Leupold has always had a strong reputation, especially among professionals and law enforcement. The Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5X25 M5C3 SFP Scope is no exception. It's designed to serve those who require precision and durability in the field, and after spending some quality time with this scope, I can confidently say it lived up to my durability expectations.

For those who shoot in high power service rifle matches, the dedicated Nightforce scope for that game needs no introduction. It is a common sight on the rifles of people who can afford the best equipment. When Nightforce hit me up with the opportunity to try it out I enthusiastically said yes.

Once upon a time, the “low power variable optic” (LPVO) was a 1-4x scope. Then along came the 1-6x, then the 1-8x, and now the 1-10x. A top-end with 10x magnification is hardly “low power,” particularly when that was the standard magnification for USMC sniper rifles for many years. The Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 First Focal Plane (FFP) scope combines a 1x low end with a 10x top end and FFP reticle