optics

The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25×56 is the first entry of the Strike Eagle line into long range optics, and it seems as though it was purpose-built for the precision rimfire market. Vortex managed to stuff many of the desirable features of their more expensive Razor line, ubiquitous in Precision Rifle Series (PRS) matches, into a more affordable package for the everyday shooter.

As I’ve been working on my precision competition rifles, I wanted to address a common topic in the world of optics: First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane scopes. Let’s get to the bottom line.

Today we’re taking a look at another precision rifle optic, the Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30×56. In my opinion, someone at Athlon really did their homework with what the precisions hooting community wants and values with a tactical optic. The ETR checks all of the boxes and seems like a great all-around scope.

I recently got the chance to handle the Meopta Optika6 5-30×56 MRAD FFP. This optic has many features desirable to precision rifle shooting and competition. In this review, I cover the main bits you should know as well as my recommendation.

Like barrels, triggers, and all the other choices, Ar-15 optics are a challenging one. There’s a lot of misunderstanding and “fluff” out there. I want to take a few moments and discuss some thoughts on optics selection.

For whatever reason, I don’t think the Trijicon battery-powered LED ACOGs have gained as much traction as they deserve. The classic combat optic paired with an efficient LED emitter is a great combination, and I want to take a deeper look at it. In particular, I’m going to review my TA-110 ACOG with the horseshoe-dot reticle and green LED illumination.

The Vortex Solo R/T 8×36 monocular is a handy piece of kit. It is lightweight, compact, and useful for daylight spotting. Its mil-hash reticle and silhouette-based ranging tools are an added bonus for competition and tactical shooters.

Iron sights are not magical talisman that turn you into a rifleman. They are a tool for executing marksmanship, not part of the “fundamentals.” Don’t get wrapped up.

The Trijicon TR24 is one of the all time greats of the low power variable market. How has it stood the test of time?

Not a lot of people know the SpecterOS 4x. You’ve probably heard of its heavier and more expensive sibling, the SpecterDR, though. The SpecterOS is the same optic, but fixed at 4x. It is lighter, with similar illumination, but it is more akin to the ACOG than a 1-4x scope. I really like this optic, as it has outstanding glass quality and an attractive look. But I’m not crazy about the mount.