Optics/Sights

Earlier this year I noticed a Facebook ad for American Technology Network’s (ATN) new X-Sight II HD digital rifle scope. As firearm-related ads are wont to do, it called my name until I finally decided to check it out.

When it comes to long-range competition, the automatic assumption is that you need a riflescope that’s equal or greater in cost to most people’s house payment in order to compete. While you can certainly go that route, there’s also a lot to be said about budget-friendly glass that’s still more than qualified to take on the benchmark 1,000-yard shot. A case in point is Nikon’s new Black X1000, a scope engineered from the ground up to tackle the precision rifle game.

This is probably not a surprise to any of my regular readers, but I am a bit of an optics snob. I played sniper professionally for most of my military career, and that left a distinct mark when it comes to glass. According to the data, Vortex was the glass of choice for an astounding 73 percent of those in the top 15 slots in PRS 2015. Enter the Vortex Razor HD Gen II.

I am a hater of Weaver style bases, and I will make no apologies. If I could wave my magic wand and make one firearms accessory disappear, it would be anything with a Weaver slot. Why so hateful? Glad you asked.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Steiner to most U.S. veterans is the ubiquitous Steiner 10×50 binoculars. These were a staple in every unit I ever served in, and had a great reputation for clarity and toughness. German glass is legendary in sniper circles for clarity and lack of imperfections. I was never issued a Steiner, but I had enough of the other Kraut options to know I should jump at the chance to test a myriad of Steiner glass.

Trijicon is one of the most respected and recognizable names in the optics industry. In fact, you would be hard pressed to go anywhere in the world and not be able to find someone who recognizes the ACOG optic. Trijicon launched a new electro optics (EO) division to lead the industry in “no-light” aiming systems. The new EO division features a complete lineup of thermal imaging monoculars, helmet sights, rifle sights and clip-on sights.

The Vortex Viper red dot sight pushes the envelope on “how low can you go?” when mounting a red dot sight on a handgun. This low-profile red dot sight also has a low-profile price.

I don’t envy the Aimpoint engineer who drew the Micro S-1 assignment. Developing a plug-and-play red dot for a wide variety of shotguns must have been a nightmare. Most shotguns aren’t designed with optics in mind. Fortunately for us, Aimpoint’s engineers figured it out.

In the interest of a look toward the future, we decided to have a shoot-off of some of the most popular brands of 9mm pistol with a factory red dot mount option. There can be only one! So, let’s get them out on the range and in the hands of some different shooters and see what comes out on top.