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[Ultimate Resource]: Gun Scopes & Optics

We shot at it, torched it, and put it under all torture tests imaginable.

Here, you'll find hands-on reviews of some of the most popular optics on the market and we'll share with you the results of how they fared. We’ll cover everything from red dots to magnified scopes…and everything in between.

Start Here - Optics Roundup

Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics for 2023: Red Dots to Magnified

Find the best AR-15 scopes & optics for your budget and use. From red dots to magnifiers, prisms, holographic, and scopes.

Best Red Dots for 2023 [Hands-On]: Under $200 Budget

Quickly find out the best budget Red Dot for your rifle as we review Primary Arms, Holosun, and Vortex with tons of torture tests (drop/temperature/water). One of them barely makes it out.

Best Affordable Optics of 2023 (That Won't Break)

Putting optics on all your guns can be a huge hassle and drain on your bank account. Here are some of the best optics that can be had at affordable prices.

Red Dots vs Holographic Sights: What's Best For You?

Not sure which type to get? We cover everything from technology to field of view, acquisition speed, reticles, power, durability, and more.

10 Best New Optics of 2020

Want something new? We go over our top 10 favorite new optics of 2020 for your pistol, rifle, or shotgun.

12 Best Red Dot Sights [Hands-On]: Rifle, Pistol, & All Budgets

There's lots of red dots. Learn the different types, why they rock, and our top picks based on real-world use with a tons of guns and thousands of rounds.

High-End Optics Torture Test [Trijicon, EOTech, Aimpoint, Sig Sauer]

Which high-end optic is truly beefy? We test Trijicon, EOTech, Aimpoint, Sig Sauer optics for water submersion, thermal drift, drop testing, and bullets.

Co-Witness Sights: Absolute and Lower 1/3 [Ultimate Guide]

What's a co-witness sight with a red dot? What's the difference from absolute vs lower one-thirds co-witness? And how to do you zero a co-witnessed optic?

Best Scopes for the M1A: Long-Range & Scout Scopes

Want to upgrade your Springfield M1A? We go over our favorite long range and scout scopes with plenty of real view-throughs and hands-on experience.

5 Best Holographic Sights for 2023

Looking at holographic sights? We bought the most popular ones and tested them for months to find our winner. Complete with real views and videos.

7 Best Prism Scopes: Robust & Better for Astigmatism

Prism scopes right for you? We cover the Pros & Cons, plus hands-on pictures of a few of the most popular models out right now.

4 Best ACOG Scopes [Hands-On]

Need a (literally) bomb-proof optic? Trijicon's military favorite fixed-magnification ACOG is the answer. Find out why...plus the perfect model for you.

Best Rifle Scopes in 2023 [Real View-Throughs]

We cover all the best rifle scopes, from low power variable optics to hunting, prism, scout, long distance, and more. View-throughs and video for each.

Best 1-6x Scopes & LPVOs in 2023 [Real Views]

1-6x scopes are perfect for almost anything. We have some of the most popular in-hand and tested through years of competitive use. Find out our best picks through several price points.

5 Best .300 Blackout Scopes and Optics: Correct Drops

Want a scope catered to your .300 Blackout round? We cover some of the best red dot, magnified optic, and prism scopes with the ideal .300 dropoff.

Best Night Sight Brands

If you want to truly be ready for anything with you carry gun, you need a good set of night sights. Here's the best of the best.

Long Range Scope Reviews

Best Red Dot Magnifiers in 2023 [Real Views]

Have a red dot or holo and want to reach out? We bought the most popular 3x magnifiers and tested clarity, eye relief, mounts, and bang-for-the-buck.

Best Long Range Rifle Scopes in 2023 [Hands-On]

Want the best long range scope for your purpose? We hands-on test the 9 most popular scopes. Complete with real view-throughs, tracking tests, and video.

Best 1-6x Scopes & LPVOs in 2023 [Real Views]

1-6x scopes are perfect for almost anything. We have some of the most popular in-hand and tested through years of competitive use. Find out our best picks through several price points.

Best Scopes for the M1A: Long-Range & Scout Scopes

Want to upgrade your Springfield M1A? We go over our favorite long range and scout scopes with plenty of real view-throughs and hands-on experience.

7 Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes & Red Dots for 2023

Want to get the max accuracy out of your Ruger 10/22 rifle? We cover some of the best scopes made for rimfire rifles on a variety of budgets.

Best Nightforce Scopes (And Where to Buy Them)

Intent on getting a Nightforce scope...but not sure which or where to get one? Learn our go-to spot plus our favorite variants of the entire Nightforce series.

9 Best Spotting Scopes of 2023: Range & Hunting

Looking for a spotting scope? Not even sure you need one? We hands-on review some of the most popular with tons of view-through pictures.

Best AR-15 Offset Iron Sights [View-Throughs]

Need a quick transition from a magnified scope to close-up targets? Check out offset irons which give you a nice sight picture with a quick rotation.

Short Range Scope Reviews

Best Red Dot Magnifiers in 2023 [Real Views]

Have a red dot or holo and want to reach out? We bought the most popular 3x magnifiers and tested clarity, eye relief, mounts, and bang-for-the-buck.

6 Best EOTech Holographic Sight Models [Hands-On]

Not sure which EOTech model to get? Cut through the confusion by answering a few questions and you'll find out the perfect hologrpahic sight for your task.

Best Red Dots for 2023 [Hands-On]: Under $200 Budget

Quickly find out the best budget Red Dot for your rifle as we review Primary Arms, Holosun, and Vortex with tons of torture tests (drop/temperature/water). One of them barely makes it out.

Best Scopes for the M1A: Long-Range & Scout Scopes

Want to upgrade your Springfield M1A? We go over our favorite long range and scout scopes with plenty of real view-throughs and hands-on experience.

Best Cheap Red Dots Under $100 [Destruction Test]

On a budget but still need a reliable red dot for your gun? We hands-on test and torture a few of the most popular cheap red dots under $100.

Best AR-15 Offset Iron Sights [View-Throughs]

Need a quick transition from a magnified scope to close-up targets? Check out offset irons which give you a nice sight picture with a quick rotation.

Individual Optics Review

[Review] Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic): Best Red Dot?

Need a rock solid optic for your go-to rifle? We review the Aimpoint PRO with plenty of rounds down range. Plus accuracy testing, remounting shift testing, and torture testing with a hammer.

[Review] Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x: First Person Views

Looking for an affordable scope? The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x might fit the bill. We hands-on review it for clarity, robustness, worth-it-ness, and more.

[Review] Sig Sauer BDX Scope: Future of Optics

Need a scope that auto changes its reticle based on range? The future is now with Sig Sauer's BDX line of scopes. We hands-on test one and wow it's awesome.

[Video+Review]Crimson Trace RAD Pro Pistol Red Dot

We investigate the Crimson Trace RAD Pro -- a pistol red dot designed for mid-sized and full-sized handguns -- all while training at Gunsite.

[Review+Video] Crimson Trace RAD Max Pro Rifle Red Dot

A few weeks ago we tested out the Crimson Trace RAD Pro pistol optic, but we're back to check out the RAD Max Pro rifle red dot. Come get our thoughts...

[Hands-on Review] Bushnell TRS-26: Improved & Reliable

Is the Bushnell TRS-26 a worthy upgrade from the TRS-25? We hands-on review it for build, clarity, robustness, affordability, ergonomics, and more.

[Hands-On Review] Swampfox Arrowhead 1-8x

Looking for a sub-$500 low power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-8x range? We hands-on review the Swampfox Arrowhead for glass, eye-box, price, and more.

[Review] Primary Arms SLx 1-8x Scope: Hands-On

Is a low power variable optic like the PA 1-8x for you? We hands-on review it for reliability, durability, box test, glass quality, price, and more.

[3000 Round Review] Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot

Looking for an affordable red dot? We hands-on review the Bushnell TRS-25 for accuracy, durability, battery life, and worth-it-ness after 5 years of use.

[Review] SWFA SS 2.5-10x32 Scope & Boyds Spike Camp Stock

Looking for an affordable scope and stock? We hands-on review SWFA's SS 2.5-10x ultralight scope and Boyds Spike Camp stock on our Howa 1500 action.

Trijicon MRO [Review+Video]: Go-To Duty Red Dot

Crazy durable, clear glass, insane battery life, and large field of view. We love the Trijicon MRO and we hands-on test it for everything that matters.

Sig Romeo 5 Review: 4 Years Tested

Looking for the best budget red dot? We've been testing Sig's Romeo5 for years and will cover its specs, features, and view-through.

[Review]: Swamp Fox Optics Liberator & Kingslayer Red Dots

Are Swamp Fox's new red dots worth the move from established brands? We hands-on test their Liberator & micro Kingslayer to find out.

[Review] Trijicon SRO Micro Red Dot: RMR Killer?

Want the best micro red dot? We hands-on review the Trijicon SRO for a lot of rounds downrange to see if it's better than the Trijicon RMR.

[Review] Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS Gen 3: Budget LVPO

Want the best bang-for-the-buck 1-6x scope? We hands-on test the Primary Arms 1-6x Gen 3 with ACSS reticle. With tons of view-through videos and pics.

Riton Mod 5 1-4x Scope Review

The perfect scope for hunters: clear glass, first focal plane, illuminated reticle, and affordable pricing. Plus comparison pictures vs other scopes.

SeeAll Open Sight [Review]

What sight combines a red dot and regular irons? We try out the pistol and rifle variants of the SeeAll Open Sight and give our take on whether this different optic deserves a place on your firearm.

[Review] Ruger American Predator: Affordable 1000 Yard Rifle

Can you get a 1000 yard rifle with an optic for under $1000? The Ruger American Predator plus a sweet Vortex scope show that you can. See the results!

Pistol & Shotgun Sights Review

Best Night Sight Brands

If you want to truly be ready for anything with you carry gun, you need a good set of night sights. Here's the best of the best.

12 Best Shotgun Sights for 2023: Red Dots & Irons

You still need to aim with a shotgun. Here are our favorite upgraded shotgun sights from ghost rings to red dots and even some rifle slug scopes.

12 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights [Real-Views + Video]

Looking for the best red dot for your pistol? We cover the most popular models and their pros/cons, slide compatibility, and bang-for-the-buck-ness.

Best Shotgun Red Dots: Never Use Bead Sights Again

Slapping a red dot on your shotgun can give you a number of advantages in the field, range, and competition. Find out our best picks across all budgets!

Holographic Sights

Red Dots vs Holographic Sights: What's Best For You?

Not sure which type to get? We cover everything from technology to field of view, acquisition speed, reticles, power, durability, and more.

5 Best Holographic Sights for 2023

Looking at holographic sights? We bought the most popular ones and tested them for months to find our winner. Complete with real views and videos.

6 Best EOTech Holographic Sight Models [Hands-On]

Not sure which EOTech model to get? Cut through the confusion by answering a few questions and you'll find out the perfect hologrpahic sight for your task.

Night Vision Scopes, Goggles & Binoculars

Best Night Vision Scopes & Optics for 2023

Night vision scopes can be confusing. We cover the technology and showcase some of our favorites, plus some optics that work with night vision goggles.

6 Best Night Vision Binoculars [Own the Night]

Not sure how to start? We'll cover the different generations and our favorite picks for beginner, hunting, and professional night vision binoculars.

Best Night Vision Goggles [Beginner's Guide+Real Views]

Own the night! We cover the best night vision goggles out there with tons of pics and view-through videos. Plus all the other essential gear you'll need.

Lasers & Other Optics Review

5 Best Handgun Laser Sights: Light Up Your Targets

Laser sights make aiming your handgun easier, especially in high-stress situations. Here are some of the best and useful ones out there.

8 Best AR-15 Lasers [Hands-On]: Budget to Pro

Want the fastest acquisition in low light? We hands-on review 6 of the most popular green & red lasers for brightness, zero, ergonomics, price, and more.

7 Best Prism Scopes: Robust & Better for Astigmatism

Prism scopes right for you? We cover the Pros & Cons, plus hands-on pictures of a few of the most popular models out right now.

5 Best Scout Scopes [Hands-On]

A good scout scope is almost perfect for multiple purposes and ranges. We hands-on test some of the most popular with videos and view-through images.

5 Best .300 Blackout Scopes and Optics: Correct Drops

Want a scope catered to your .300 Blackout round? We cover some of the best red dot, magnified optic, and prism scopes with the ideal .300 dropoff.

Best Hunting Binoculars of 2023

Hunting, bird watching, or shooting groups...binoculars are an integral part of your kit. But what makes a great pair and how do you choose the best one?

5 Best Laser Bore Sights [Hands-On Tested]

Boresights make zeroing a lot easier, but not all boresights are created equal! Take a look at our top picks and save yourself time and money!

Best Red Dot Magnifiers in 2023 [Real Views]

Have a red dot or holo and want to reach out? We bought the most popular 3x magnifiers and tested clarity, eye relief, mounts, and bang-for-the-buck.

More Optics & Scopes Posts

Best Rifle Scopes in 2023 [Real View-Throughs]

We cover all the best rifle scopes, from low power variable optics to hunting, prism, scout, long distance, and more. View-throughs and video for each.

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Gen IV Review: Best Budget LPVO?

The SLx 1-6x24 Gen IV is the latest LVPO to come from Primary Arms but does this budget-friendly scope offer enough features for the modern rifle shooter?

8 Best AR-15 Lasers [Hands-On]: Budget to Pro

Want the fastest acquisition in low light? We hands-on review 6 of the most popular green & red lasers for brightness, zero, ergonomics, price, and more.

8 Best LPVOs of 2023: Low, Mid & High Power

Interested in an LVPO scope but don't know what to buy? We got you covered with a rundown of our top recommended LVPOs!

BDC & Mil-Dot Reticles for Rifle Scopes

Want to learn how to use bullet drop compensator and mil dot reticles? We've got everything you need to know about these often misunderstood scope reticles.

Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics for 2023: Red Dots to Magnified

Find the best AR-15 scopes & optics for your budget and use. From red dots to magnifiers, prisms, holographic, and scopes.

Best 1-6x Scopes & LPVOs in 2023 [Real Views]

1-6x scopes are perfect for almost anything. We have some of the most popular in-hand and tested through years of competitive use. Find out our best picks through several price points.

7 Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes & Red Dots for 2023

Want to get the max accuracy out of your Ruger 10/22 rifle? We cover some of the best scopes made for rimfire rifles on a variety of budgets.

7 Best .308 Scopes of 2023: All Budgets

Looking for the perfect .308 rifle scope? We choose our favs across different uses and budgets.

Best Scope Mounts & Rings for 2023

Want to keep zero on your rifle scope? You'll need some quality scope rings and scope mounts. We hands-on the different types and our favorite models.

Best Deer Hunting Rifle Scopes & Optics of 2023

We take a look at what optic you need for deer hunting this season -- from red dots to scopes, come see what we recommend.

Best Night Vision Scopes & Optics for 2023

Night vision scopes can be confusing. We cover the technology and showcase some of our favorites, plus some optics that work with night vision goggles.

7 Best Prism Scopes: Robust & Better for Astigmatism

Prism scopes right for you? We cover the Pros & Cons, plus hands-on pictures of a few of the most popular models out right now.

Best ACOGS, Clones, & Alternatives of 2023

We take a look at some of our favorite ACOG optics on the market as well as durable and reliable clones and alternatives.

Best Enclosed Emitter Pistol Optics of 2023 [All Budgets]

Enclosed emitter optics offer some durability to red dot users who need something they can depend on. But which is best? We cover our top recommendations.

Best Affordable Optics of 2023 (That Won't Break)

Putting optics on all your guns can be a huge hassle and drain on your bank account. Here are some of the best optics that can be had at affordable prices.

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