Optics 2022
This year retailers will see enhanced focus on first focal plane riflescopes and on red-dot handgun sights.
By Robert Sadowski
The shift to first focal plane (FFP) riflescopes continues to gain momentum, and companies that traditionally only offered second focal plane (SFP) scopes are now jumping on the bandwagon. Red-dot optics is another hot market, as options for pistols—full-size, compact, and subcompact models—continue to evolve as well. Here’s a look at some of the new glass that will be offered in 2022.
Axeon Optics
Axeon offers an affordable lineup of riflescopes and red-dot sights. The Prism 3XRD 3x30mm Prism Dot Scope (SRP: $129) features an illuminated etched-glass ballistic reticle, fixed 3X magnification, tactical-style turrets, and red or green illumination options. The 4-16x50mm SF IGF riflescope (SRP: $299) is both a solid performer and a solid value. This optic features an illuminated G126 Tree reticle with MOA calibrated subtensions, plus quick-adjust exposed turrets. The reticle can be illuminated in either green or red with five brightness settings. The 6-24x50mm (SRP: $299) is Axeon's first long-distance scope with a G-126 Tree Reticle. The unit uses a SFP reticle and has locking zero-reset turrets. Need glass for distances under 150 yards? The 4-16x44mm (SRP: $129) features 4-16X magnification with a 44mm objective in a 1-inch tube. The 7XRGB20 (SRP: $79) RGB dot sight is designed for the AR platform with three different colors and seven brightness reticle settings. (axeonoptics.com)
Bushnell
The new Fusion X rangefinding 10x42mm binocular (SRP: $699) features one-mile ranging capability as well as an all-new ACTIVSYNC display system that changes the color of readouts from black to red based on lighting conditions. Near/far ranging modes allow users to home in on the target while ignoring objects in the foreground and background.
The new Prime 1800 laser rangefinder (SRP: $249) is packed with features such as ACTIVSYNC display system, 1,800-yard range, scan mode, and far/near target modes. Hunters will like the reintroduction of the Elite 4500 lineup of scopes with three new and improved Elite 4500 4X models. New models include a 1-4x24mm (SRP: $230), 2.5-10x40mm (SRP: $270), and 4-16x40mm (SRP: $300). All have a 4X magnification range, capped turrets, and are equipped with a Multi-X reticle.
Two new rimfire rifle scopes come on board in 2022: a 3-9x40mm with a DZ22 reticle (SRP: $180) and an illuminated DZ22 reticle (SRP: $180). The DZ22 reticle was specifically designed for .22LR rimfire ballistics, with drop points out to 125 yards. Two new Elite Tactical riflescopes—the DMR3 3.5-21x50mm FFP (SRP: $1,199) and the XRS3 6-36x56 FFP (SRP: $1,699)—are tailored to meet the demands of law-enforcement and military professionals as well as long-range and precision rimfire competition shooters. The DMR3 delivers precision to 1,000 yards and beyond in a lightweight, compact package, while the XRS3 offers the highest magnification in the Elite Tactical scope family along with superior tracking and reliability. Both scopes are equipped with the new etched-glass G4P reticle design featuring a floating dot center POA, floating holdover dots, refined line widths, quick-acquisition bars for low-magnification settings, and a more-open reticle space above the horizontal stadia. (bushnell.com)
CAA
Zeroing is often a frustrating time- and ammo-consuming process. The new ZEUS (Zero Under Eight Seconds) has a motor that adjusts the reticle without the need to manually adjust the windage and elevation turrets. All you do is take a picture of the target with your phone; the sight will do the rest. The ZEUS has two reticle options, a 2 MOA red dot and a line-dot reticle that will allow you to keep the rifle from canting. Powered by two rechargeable CR123 batteries, it will deliver more than 5,000 hours of continuous use on the brightest level. The unit mounts to any Picatinny rail. SRP: under $600. (caaindustries.com)
Crimson Trace
CT has micro, sub-compact, compact, and full-size pistol sights covered with two new reflex sights in two sizes. The CT RAD Micro Pro (Rapid Aiming Dot) electronic sight (SRP: $275) is an ultra-compact open reflex sight for micro, sub-compact, and compact pistols. The CT RAD Pro electronic sight (SRP: $300) is a full-size sight for full-size pistols. Both sights feature a red 3 MOA aiming dot and a large window for quick acquisition, and both automatically adjust the aiming dot’s brightness to reflect ambient lighting conditions. Both also detect movement of the firearm and automatically turn on the reflex sight. The CT RAD footprint is compatible with the Docter sight pattern and can be used with existing pistol manufacturer optic plates. (crimsontrace.com)
EOTech
Constructed with a robust 34mm one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the new 1-10x28mm FFP riflescope (SRP: $1,799) uses a single-piece eyepiece with a removable throw-lever for fast changes in magnification. The low-profile elevation turret uses a push/pull locking system, and the windage turret is capped for a secure zero. The unit uses an illuminated, glass-etched reticle and FFP design for estimating distance at any magnification and lighting condition. (eotechinc.com)
GPO
German Precision Optics USA (GPO) is releasing two new lightweight and compact rangefinding binoculars this year. The Rangeguide 8x32 and 10x32 both feature an eye-safe Class 1 laser for a fast 0.25-second response time with true-range angle technology that calculates the proper distance to the target after measuring the angle to the target. Scan mode provides three readings per second via its orange OLED display that offers nine adjustable brightness levels and operates with manual or automatic brightness functionality. The Rangeguide even measures ambient temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius, humidity, and air pressure to help with shot placement on long-range shots. The unit will reliably range a tree at 1,093 yards and a deer out to 766 yards. The display provides both the line-of-sight distance and the user’s choice of adjusted distance, angle, or temperature.
The Rangeguide also features a diopter focus and orange display focus adjustments on both left and right sides of the ocular tube. GPO’s premium cut-brass-geared focus-wheel system allows for a tight, consistent turning radius without any center focus wheel free play. The entire body is protected with an armor coating that makes it tough enough to use in any outdoor environment. SRP: $1,099.99, 8x32; $1,149.99, 10x32. (gpo-usa.com)
Hawke Optics
What sets the new Frontier 34 FFP scopes apart from the competition is the glass. Hawke uses index-matched lenses that offer exceptional clarity throughout the entire field of view. Frontier 34 FFP models include a 3-18x50mm (SRP: $1,299) and 5-30x56mm (SRP: $1,399), both of which are built on a 34mm mono-tube chassis with exposed Zero, Lock ‘n Stop turrets. Illuminated reticle options include either a Mil-Pro Ext or MOA Pro Ext, which are calibrated for the amount of magnification in the scope. These scopes were designed with long-range shooters in mind. (us.hawkeoptics.com)
Hi-Lux Optics
Built from aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, the lightweight TD-3C open-reflex red dot is designed for handguns. The unit has a 3 MOA red dot as well as a 34 MOA segmented circle, allowing the user to choose the reticle they wish to use. It has the same mounting footprint as an RMR and features a side-loading battery tray. Expect 50,000 hours of battery life.
The Phenom UHD 20-60x85mm UHD (Ultra High Definition) spotting scope (SRP: $899) is equipped with a 20-60X eyepiece with superb sharpness from edge to edge. Features include a knurled mid-body focus ring for easy grip, even with gloved hands. The chassis is made from lightweight magnesium. (hi-luxoptics.com)
Holosun
The Holosun AEMS (Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight) Core rifle sight is lighter and shorter than the standard 20mm micro-style optic, but offers twice the lens surface area for a wider field of view. It weighs only 3.9 ounces (without the mount) and is constructed of 7075 aluminum. The left side of the optic contains two intensity-adjustment buttons, and the right side has a battery compartment for the 2032 battery. Other features include Shake Awake technology and a single 2 MOA dot reticle. SRP: $352.93, red reticle; $370.58, green reticle. (holosun.com)
Konus
Own the night with the KONUSPY-13 Digital Night Vision Binocular with 3.6x-10.8x power (SRP: $540). The unit offers an impressive 1920x1080 resolution and is suited for both daytime and nighttime observation. The unit also allows the user to take pictures and record videos. The Absolute 5-40x56mm (SRP: $1,187) is designed for the competitive shooter in mind. It boasts a wide magnification range (5X to 40X) and a side parallax wheel, lockable push/pull turrets resettable to zero, and a laser-etched, illuminated half mil-dot reticle with red and blue light for all lighting conditions. When you think of the two new Diablo riflescopes, think performance at a competitive price. Both models are built on a 30mm tube and feature newly designed push/pull turrets that are both lockable and resettable to zero. The 4-16x50mm (SRP: $510) comes with a ballistic reticle, and the 6-24x50mm (SRP: $530) uses a variation on the half mil-dot with additional aiming points for long-range shooting. (konuscopes.com)
Leapers/UTG
The INTEGRIX 1-8x28mm FFP riflescope features an etched-glass range-estimating T-Dot MOA reticle. Built on a 34mm tube, the unit uses Japanese and German glass and features 10 brightness levels. The oversized windage and elevation turrets are zero-resettable, and the scope is powered by a single CR2032 battery. The UTG DSR Micro is a rugged and compact dot sight well suited for AR-style rifles. The unit features a red illuminated 3 MOA single dot with eight adjustable brightness settings. Optimized for low power consumption and powered by a single CR2032 battery, users can expect 30,000 hours of battery life on the middle brightness setting.
The ACCU-SYNC QR scope rings and cantilever mounts offer a wide variety of different height profiles (from low to extra high), compatible tube diameters (including 1 inch, 30mm, and 34mm), and offset lengths. The quick-release mounts feature squared recoil stops and a generous tension-adjustment range, making for quick installation and removal and reliable return to zero. The mounts are also compatible with Picatinny rails. The ACCU-SYNC QR Side Mount for AK-style rifle platforms is a tension-adjustable quick-release mount optimized to fit a wide variety of AKs equipped with optic side rails. Constructed from lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum, the mount allows the shooter to use iron sights and features a Picatinny rail and two side M-Lok accessory slots. (leapers.com)
Leupold
The ultra-lightweight, low-profile design of the Patrol 6HD deploys quickly, while its 1-6X magnification lets you engage targets anywhere—from tight corners to open fields. Two models will be available at launch, both with a 30mm main tube and Rear Focal Plane configuration. One features 1⁄4-MOA adjustments using a traditional capped dial and is equipped with and Illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle. The other still has 1⁄4-MOA adjustments, but comes equipped with Leupold’s CDS-ZL2 dial system, allowing two full two turns of elevation adjustment with a locking dial, making it compatible with the company’s Custom Dial System. The CDS-ZL2 model has an Illuminated CM-R2 reticle.
The waterproof and fogproof Patrol 6HD features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which delivers the light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution that professional guides and shooters demand. An anti-cant in-scope electronic reticle level, meanwhile, simplifies mounting and improves long-range accuracy. Its lightweight design disperses recoil energy for unrivaled durability, and a removable throw-lever allows for quick magnification changes.
With 1⁄2-yard accuracy, 6X magnification, and Leupold’s True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBW/W) technology, the RX-1500i TBR/W rangefinder is designed to give hunters accurate readings no matter the conditions. Equipped with Leupold’s proprietary DNA ranging engine for lightning-fast accuracy, the unit uses ballistically calculated ranges to keep you on target even when faced with extreme uphill and downhill shots. The wind feature provides 10 mph full-value wind hold to help you calculate a hold value.
The waterproof RX-1500i also features a bow mode, which generates arrow drops out to 175 yards with a bow-specific setting. A Trophy Scale feature allows you to easily measure game in the field, and a high light transmission LCD display delivers exceptionally bright and clear images throughout the day. It can range out to 1,500 yards on reflective targets, 1,200 yards on soft targets such as trees.
The RX-FullDraw 5 combines the lightning-fast accuracy of Leupold’s DNA engine with the acclaimed Archer’s Advantage software, making it the most ballistically advanced rangefinder on the market. Using your personal ballistics, shot distance, and angle compensation, the RX- FullDraw 5 calculates laser-accurate ranges based on your gear. Loaded with features designed for the modern archer, like Flightpath technology, it takes the guesswork out of achieving the perfect shot, every time. Flightpath uses the same ballistic solution to determine if your arrow will clear obstructions between you and your target.
Three new features of the RX-FullDraw 5 set it apart from its predecessor, the RX-FullDraw 4: An optional 20-yard pin solution for the Flightpath technology, a Rain/Fog mode, and a lower minimum arrow velocity. The 20-yard pin solution makes it easier for archers to make a clean shot at close range even in thick brush or cover. Rain/Fog mode, also known as Last Target mode, returns the last distance the laser reads, bettering your chances of getting an accurate range on a target in rainy or foggy conditions. The lowered minimum on velocity inputs is meant to accommodate traditional archers and others who shoot lighter draw weights and, thus, lower velocities.
The waterproof RX-FullDraw 5 delivers bright and clear images with a high light transmission OLED display. A 6X magnification makes ranging long distances easy, and the unit can hit 1,200 yards on reflective targets, 1,100 yards on trees. (leupold.com)
March Scopes
The new 5-42x56mm FFP MOA riflescope (SRP: $4,200) features a total elevation travel of 130 MOA. The 26-degree wide-angle eyepiece delivers an enhanced field of view. The 1.5-15x42mm SFP MIL riflescope with tactical turrets (SRP: $2,630) features a new 42mm objective lens that offers excellent low-light performance in a compact scope. The 1.5X magnification and bright illuminated-dot reticle work together to deliver fast target acquisition. The 1-10x24mm Shorty FFP MIL riflescope (SRP: $2,750) is a compact and lightweight scope that weighs only 17.8 ounces. (marchoptics.com)
Meopta
The new Optika5 2-10x42 PA riflescope (SRP: $349.99) features side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. This versatile riflescope delivers razor-sharp image focus at close ranges and the ability to dial in at longer ranges. Built on a one-inch tube, the scope has a SFP reticle available in either Z-Plex or Z-Plus. The new MeoPro HD Plus binoculars are a completely redesigned Gen 2 version of the award-winning MeoPro binocular line. Available in two models, 10x42 HD (SRP: $499) and 8x56 HD (SRP: $749). Hunters will appreciate the edge-to-edge clarity, wide field of view, and outstanding low-light performance in this mid-priced binocular series. (meoptasportsoptics.com)
Primary Arms
PA has partnered with Holosun Optics on a new co-branded optic called the HE509-RD with the ACSS Vulcan reticle system. This red dot offers all the versatility of the Holosun HE509-RD with its Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology and PA’s ACSS Vulcan reticle system. The Vulcan’s center aiming point is a 10 MOA chevron, which is surrounded by a large outer circle. When the optic is centered on a target at arm’s length, this circle falls outside the optic window, leaving only the center chevron for precision sighting. If the user’s aim moves off target, the edge of the circle comes into view, guiding them back to center. It’s a unique approach to sight acquisition and aim correction.
The PLx 1-8x24mm FFP compact riflescope has a 9.4-inch overall length and weighs a mere 18.5 ounces. It features premium-grade Japanese ED lenses, AutoLive Motion-Sensing illumination technology, and the reticle brightness settings range from night-vision compatibility to fully daylight bright. Reticle options include the ACSS Raptor M8 Yards, ACSS Raptor M8 Meters, and ACSS Griffin MIL M8.
The new SLx 3x MicroMagnifier with the ACSS Pegasus reticle combines high-clarity 3X magnification with a miniaturized body and a built-in ranging reticle. The micro design reduces the unit’s footprint compared to traditional magnifiers, and it is ideal for close-quarters use on AR-style rifles. The SLx RS10 Mini Reflex is a pistol-ready miniature reflex sight that offers a true daylight bright 3MOA reticle, multi-coated lenses, night-vision compatibility, and ultra-long battery runtime with a side-loading battery slot. (primaryarms.com)
Sightmark
The lightweight and compact Wraith 4k Mini 2-16x32 digital riflescope can detect objects up to 300 yards in the dark and displays them on a 1280x720 FLCOS screen. Features include full-color 4K digital daytime and high-resolution digital night-vision imaging, 2-16x32 magnification, video recording capabilities with audio, and 14 reticle options. (sightmark.com)
Swarovski
The new tM35 thermal imaging clip-on device (SRP: $5,554) offers impressive enhanced vision in twilight conditions or when hunting at night. The tM35 is compatible with the Z8i, Z6(i), Z5(i), and Z3 series riflescopes with an additional adapter (SRP: $249). The unit is activated when the user takes aim and shoots and is then deactivated when the user puts the firearm down. The automatic brightness adjustment automatically adjusts the brightness of the display to the ambient light conditions. Runs for seven hours on a rechargeable battery. (swarovskioptik.com)
Trijicon
The REAP-IR (SRP: $6,999-$9,499) and IR-HUNTER (SRP: $6,499-$8,999) line of thermal-imaging systems have been updated with new and improved system controls for faster system response and reduced lag while a new manual focus adjustment for 60mm versions provides improved image quality at all distances. A new USB-C connector allows the use of external battery packs for extended time in the field. User-selectable reticle choices include MRAD, MOA, .223 BDC, .308 BDC, and 300BLK BDC options. (trijicon.com)
Ultradot
More than 15 years ago, the Ultradot 4 helped jump-start the market for red-dot handgun sights. Now, because of repeated requests by shooters, it is re-introducing the Ultradot 4. The tubular sight has a 25mm/1-inch tube and four dot sizes (2, 4, 8, and 10 MOA). SRP: $269.95. (ultra-dotusa.com)
XS Sights
The new XS Lever Rail and Ghost Ring sets (SRP: $110) for Henry .45-70 lever-action rifles give hunters increased range and capability afield. Made of anodized aluminum, the XS Lever Rail is CNC machined and features a Picatinny-style rail to accommodates XS Ghost Ring sets or any optic from scout scopes to red-dot sights.
The DXT2 Big Dot, R3D, Minimalist, and DXW2 sights will now be available for the Taurus GX4TM micro-compact 9mm pistol and the Taurus G3c. In addition, the DXT2 Big Dot and R3D night sights will now be available for the optics-ready Hellcat Micro-Compact OSP. (xssights.com)
Zeiss
The all-new LRP S5 FFP riflescopes are designed for precision, long-range shooting. There are two models: a 3-18x50mm (SRP: $3,299) and a 5-25x56mm (SRP: $3,599). Both are equipped with a 34mm tube with an external elevation turret with the Zeiss Ballistic Stop feature. The all-new Zeiss External Locking Windage Turret (ELWT) feature allows the shooter to pull out on the locking collar, make necessary adjustments, and then lock in the selected setting. The new ZF-MOAi and the ZF-MRi illuminated reticles represent MOA and MRAD smart reticle designs, respectively. (zeiss.com)
