The NSSF SHOT Show could as easily have been called the DOT Show this year. As optics-ready pistols have become the norm, I expected that electronic sights would be introduced on a large scale by manufacturers. The showroom floor was a success; kick-off 2023 using these 21 red-dot optics
21 Red-Dot Optics, SHOT Show 2023
GPO – Spectra Reflex Dot
Germany Precision Optics was the first to jump into the game this year with its first reflex dot. They did a great job. The unit weighs in at eight-tenths an ounce thanks to its lightweight polycarbonate lens. This allows for unimpeded operation with even the most delicate shooting pistols.
Auto-dimming and automatic-off with motion sensing technology, which turns the reticle when you touch it, are two other bonuses. A side-mounted battery compartment allows for easy battery swaps.
For more information, visit GPO-USA.com
Primary Arms – RS-15
This optic features a unique Vulcan dot reticle with a 250 MOA MOA. This large halo will be visible if the pistol is held directly in front of your eyes. You’ll see a portion of the corona indicating which direction to drive the gun once you have stopped the gun.
The central 3 MOA aiming dot can be seen in the middle of the lens. It is the only thing that you will see when you are shooting.
PrimaryArms.com has more information.
Primary Arms – MD-25 Gen2
The MD-25 Gen2 has been redesigned and updated to include Autolive functionality. It is a large-platform red dots optic that can be used on all types of heavy recoiling weapon systems.
The MD-25 can be fitted with either a 2 MOA dot or an ACSS CQB redirector. The ACSS CQB reticle offers BDC for carbines as well as a large horseshoe that can accommodate most shotgun patterns. The unit is powered by a single 2032 battery and can be used to zero without losing precision.
PrimaryArms.com has more information.
Lucid Optics – E7
Red dot’s greatest criticism is their vulnerability as emitters. If the emitters are damaged or blocked, you will be left with nothing but a piece of glass. Closing it up is the obvious solution, but that was a costly option in the past. Lucid Optics is committed to offering an affordable solution with its closed-emitter, E7.
The unit mounts via Aimpoint ACRO and displays the M5 Reticle, which is faster than traditional red dots. The E7 can handle any recoil that you throw at it, and is equally at ease on pistol slides as carbines.
LucidOptics.com has more information.
Rival – X1
The RivalX1 uses the Trijicon RMR footprint. This marks the company’s entrance into the world of optics. This 3 MOA micro-reflex scope features automatic on/off capabilities. Battery life can only be predicted in years. A top-mounted compartment allows users to change the battery without removing the weapon, while also preserving the weapon’s zero.
Rival-Arms.com has more information.
Holosun – 507 Comp
Big windows allow for fast dot acquisition. This was the idea behind the 507 Comp. Holosun’s new optic, which measures 1.1″ x 0.87″, is attractive to competitors looking to score fast hits when size is not an issue.
Users can choose to use either a red or a green reticle system. The 2 MOA dot can be toggled solo or with a choice of an 8, 20, 32, or 32 MOA halo. You can also run one of the larger halos on its own.
Holosun.com has more information.
Holosun – SCRS
Holosun’s solar charging system is the main reason for its fame. It is home to many pistol sights. It introduced its first rifle sight with this function at the 2023 NSSF SHOT Show.
The SCRS (Solar Charging Rifle Scope) doesn’t require any battery swaps. It can run for up to 20,000 hours after absorbing a little light. The 20mm tube provides unlimited eye relief and is functionally free from parallax.
Holosun.com has more information.
C-MORE – CRC
C-MORE is well-known for its ability to compete in this field. This Virginia-based thinktank is just starting to venture into this field.
The CRC is designed for compact pistols. It is available with a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot. The automatic, shake-awake illumination provides a 50,000-hour battery lifetime. The user can also control the brightness setting using a 10-setting manual switch.
Visit CMORE.com for more information.
Tru-Vision – Meprolight
The Meprolight TruVision is designed for long guns. It has a large 1.14”x 0.78′” window and a 2 MOA dot. This reticle can be dimmed or brightened manually or set to auto. This allows the unit’s ability to adjust based on ambient light conditions.
An auto sleep mode, which activates after 30 minutes of inactivity, conserves the battery life of a single CR123 cell. It is also activated when the user moves.
Meprolight.com has more information.
Bushnell RXM- 300
Bushnell has created a sight that is built to compete with the rest. Bushnell’s largest open reflex sight, the RXM-300, measures 28 x 24 mm. Large enough to be used with long guns.
It has a weaver-style base and a high-rise spacer to hold MSRs. The unit can run for 35,000 hours using the middle brightness settings. Shake awake tech saves juice when the gun’s idle.
Bushnell.com has more information.
C&H – Duty
You can only make so many slides before you have to decide if you want to control what mounts to them. C&H added a line of red dots to its gunsmithing services in 2023.
The Duty is the most difficult of the batch. It is a closed emitter setup that uses a side-clamping mount system. C&H claims a 50,000-hour battery lifetime with a single 2032 button cell and maintains this by using auto-on/autooff motion sensing. You can choose from a variety of reticles, including red, green or variable.
CHPWS.com has more information.
Shield – AMS
This sight was awaited with great anticipation as it was the first to launch the red dot craze. Needless to say Shield delivered. This is hands down the coolest looking sight I saw during this show.
The AMS has a beautiful exterior. It also uses a multi-dot reticle that is easy to locate and place on the target. It can also run on a variety of batteries, which is a great advantage if you have to replace it quickly. This optic is the first to offer an interface for adding accessories such as lights, lasers, and cameras.
ShieldPSD.com has more information.
EOTech – EFLX Tan
Familiarity is the best thing for learning. There are fewer lenses that are more familiar than an EOT. It was like looking through a baby’s 512. This helped me find the dot very quickly when I first got the EFLX.
This year, it’s available in a tan color to match your gun. You can choose from 3 or 6 MOA dots, and a top loading battery for a reenergizing effect that doesn’t affect zero.
Visit EOTechInc.com for more information.
Leapers – UTG Accu-Sync 2521R
Many misconceptions surround UTG and Leapers these days. Did you know that a lot of the gear is made in Michigan? This large format optic is a great solution for MSRs.
The 2521R has a mini-ACOG footprint which allows it to be used with a variety of mounting brackets. A QD riser is also included for a lower 1/3 cowitness. Its compact design and snag-free, turret-free turrets will not interfere with your other kit. The tempered glass lenses provide exceptional light transmission.
Visit Leapers.com for more information.
ADE – Artemis
The ADE Artemis claims to be the only six-reticle micro-red dot on the marketplace. The unit allows users to choose from a 2-MOA dot or a 50-MOA circular, or a 60-MOA red dot in almost any combination.
It has an RMR footprint that makes it compatible with almost any slide cut. This is especially true when you consider how many plates are available. A 1632 button cell provides a two-minute auto-off and shake awake for extended battery life.
Visit ADEOptics.com for more information.
Viridian- RFX45
The Viridian RFX45 optic is green. The ERC instant-on system offers a 5-MOA bright green reticle and a 50,000-hour-long battery life. This is a great deal for a green lead.
This unit features closed-emitter construction. It has a profile small enough to fit handguns, but large enough that it can be used with long guns. Viridian comes with a mount that can be raised to accommodate either platform. You have the option to choose which one you prefer.
For more information, please visit ViridianWeaponTech.com.
Steiner – MPS FDE
The popularity of the MPS (Micro Pistol Sight), soared after it was announced that several LE agencies had adopted it for duty use. Steiner introduced an FDE version this bomb-proof closed emitter optic, since guns are now available in other colors than black.
It can be easily clamped to any firearm with the ACRO footprint. Alternatively, the included Docter plate can be used to mount the device to pistols with this cut.
Steiner-Optics.com has more information.
Athlon Optics – Talos EDC
The tiny powerhouse Athlon’s Talos EDC has a large battery life of 50,000 hours. This is possible thanks to the intelligent power management system, and highly-efficient circuitry.
The Talos EDC is just over a third of an ounce and makes a great addition to concealed carry weapons. Its presence will not be noticed. This optic is lightweight, but it is constructed on a sturdy aluminum chassis. It can withstand the abuse that everyday carry items often face.
Visit AthlonOptics.com for more information.
Athlon Optics – Midas TSR1-M
The Glock MOS optics cut has an ingenious design. It doesn’t accept all optics available on the market. The Midas TSR1M is here to fill this void for our friends who own Austrian pistols with this cutout.
A 6 MOA dot is larger and more visible, making it easier to place on targets at short range. The motion-sensing activation also ensures that the dot is lit up as soon as the pistol is pushed.
Visit AthlonOptics.com for more information.
SIG – ROMEO M17
(Photo by Kenzie Fitzgerald)
Although the military can take decades to adopt new technology it’s easy to overlook how quickly it is embracing electro-optics. It’s easy with devices like the SIG ROMEO M17.
Its under mounting system and drop-tested, closed emitter design make it extremely durable. This will quickly ease any fears about running a dot in combat conditions. The latest SIG model can be mounted directly to the MHS contract pistol, without having to remove the standard sights. You can expect a civilian version to follow later in the year.
Visit SigSauer.com for more information.
SIG – ROME4XT-PRO
There is no reason to stop learning. This is the motto of SIG, and it can be seen in the ROMEO4XT PRO. The PRO moves the controls up to the top, allowing for greater ambidexterity as well as protection against snagging on clothing and chest rigs.
SIG’s latest version has a night vision switch that can be used to adjust for large swings in ambient lighting. It can also run for up to 50,000 hours on an ordinary AAA battery.
Visit SigSauer.com for more information.
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Personal Defense World published the article 21 New Red-Dot Optics Found at SHOT Show 2023.
