Ask the Editors: Can red dots or scopes be disabled by EMPs?
Could your red dot or scopes be disabled by an EMP blast or remote? Our editorial team weighs in and talks about options to protect your optics.
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Every Wednesday, we answer a question from you, our readers. Our editors weigh in with straight answers based on our testing and expertise.
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TL;DR: Yes, an EMP could knock out the electronics in an illuminated optic, but several optics still work with no power at all.
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Sean (Lead Review Analyst)
Anything electronic can be disabled by an EMP unless it is hardened against such an attack. I’m not aware of any manufacturers stating that as part of their feature set. Phones can be jammed because they need to connect to a server (cell tower), whereas optics have no such requirement. I’m not aware of any optic jamming technology, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Keep in mind, red dots could still be used with decreased accuracy by simply framing your target, but magnified optics with etched reticles would be fine until you needed a lit reticle.
If you're nervous about this, check out our Backup Iron Sights article.
Scott (Editor & Sr. Review Analyst)
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One point for prism optics: the etched reticle wouldn’t illuminate after an EMP, but it would still be visible and usable.
Tossing a handgun, PDW, or AR-15 pistol equipped with a red dot into a Faraday bag can protect the optic from an EMP. As long as it's inside and the bag is properly sealed during an attack, it should remain functional when you remove it.
I recommend tossing in some spare batteries and other small electronics, like flashlights and handheld radios, too. (Check out our recommendations for the best Bug Out Gear!)
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Wyatt (Editor & Sr. Review Analyst)
If you want illumination that is EMP-proof for whatever reason, something like a Trijicon ACOG or Trijicon AccuPoint would work since they are illuminated using fiber optic and tritium sources rather than electronically powered.
Bottom Line
Our editors agree on the basics -- electronic optics could fail at the hands of an EMP, but are less likely to be disabled by things like a remote or phone. That said, there are options that don't rely on electronics and would still work without power. Backup iron sights are also always an option.
Have a question for the PPT team? Leave it in the comments below! We answer one reader question every Wednesday.
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