With more and more firearm manufacturers releasing optic-ready pistols it might be time to find the right optic. In the early days of pistol optics, they were a little pricey, making them cost-prohibitive for some. However, with more pistols ready to accept them and more companies manufacturing them, prices have become more budget-friendly. As a result, you can find the right optic for you, at almost any price range.
8 Pistol Optics for Defensive Carry
SHOT Show never ceases to impress when it comes to the massive number of new products from the shooting industry. Pistol optics were no different. Here are the top 8 from the show this year.
Bushnell RXU-200 & RXC-200 Reflex Pistol Sights
Bushnell introduced two new reflex pistol sights: the RXU-200 and RXC-200 which are identical. However, the RXU-200 has an 11mm tall window while the RXC-200 has a 15mm tall window. They both use the Shield footprint, 7075 T6 billet aluminum body, hydrophobic lens coating, glass lens (not laminate), 6 MOA dot, 2032 battery, 50,000-hour battery life, and always-on technology with photocell on top to auto-adjust for brightness. MSRP: $199.99.
For more information see Bushnell.com or call 800-423-3537.
Canik Superior Firearms Mecanik MO2 Reflex Sight
The Mecanik MO2 has a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (2 NV compatible + 8 daylight). Additionally, the Mecanik uses a 2032 battery for approximately 60,000 hour run time. Housed in a 6061 T6 aluminum chassis it features a large window and Tactical Concave Face to protect the glass. The Mecanik also includes side cocking serrations, and a “Super LED” to provide a clearer dot compared to the competition. MSRP is $239.99.
For more information see CanikUSA.com.
C-More CRC Sight
C-More has been making pistol optics since 1993 and they plan to release a new one in the second quarter of 2022. The low-profile CRC series for compact pistols comes with 10 brightness settings, 4 MOA dot, Motion Sensing System with 50,000-hour battery life. MSRP will be around $320. An integral rear backup sight is built optional.
For more information see CMore.com or call 540-347-4683.
Cuda RX-795
With the pistol optic market exploding, the race for a better mousetrap is on. The team at Zvetco thinks they found it in his new Cuda RX-795 with IntelliDOT™.
Using high-end electronics and their proprietary algorithm, it outperforms any other pistol optic at auto-calibrating the intensity of the reticle based on ambient light. It uses a Docter/Vortex footprint and top-loading battery. In addition, it beeps to let you know if the battery is low when you put it away for storage.
Available with red or green, 3 or 6 MOA reticle, it’s made from 6061 aluminum and waterproof to IPX7 standards. MSRP $399.99.
For more information see CudaOptics.com or call 321-422-3987.
Eotech EFLX
Eotech’s proven track record in red dot optics goes back decades. But in the past, they have stuck to holographic technology. Now, they are releasing a pistol sight using reflex technology for the first time.
The EFLX uses the Deltpoint Pro footprint, aluminum housing, large square viewing window (like other Eotech sights), 3 or 6 MOA dot, and is powered by a top load 2032 battery. Water-resistant to 33 ft, it has 9 power settings, one of which is NVG compatible. MSRP: $389.
For more information see EotechInc.com or call 888-EOTHOLO.
Shield AMS
I was recently talking to one of the best-respected experts in the industry about pistol optics for law enforcement. He unequivocally recommended fully enclosed optics when your life is on the line.
Shield, one of the oldest and most respected pistol optic manufacturers in the world just introduced the AMS: Advanced Mini Sight. It is a fully enclosed sight with 12 power settings (3-night vision compatible), 4 reticle options, side mount for CR 2050 battery (will also accept 2032 or 2025 battery), auto-brightness adjustment, submersible to 30 feet, Shield mount footprint, and co-witness with standard iron sights. MSRP: $599; Available 3rd Quarter 2022.
For more information see ShieldPSD.com or call +44 (0)1297 678233.
Shield RMSx
People who have been following the red dot craze for pistols are well acquainted with Shield Sights. They’ve been around since the beginning and are still the heart and soul of a lot of other brands of sights. This year, they introduced the RMSx with an extra-large lens. I’m a huge fan of larger lenses simply because they allow you to see more of your periphery.
The CR2032 powered sight is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, has a hard-dip acrylic lens, mounts with the Shield footprint, and is available in 4 MOA or 8 MOA. MSRP $449.00.
For more information see ShieldPSD.com or call +44 (0)1297 678233.
Swampfox Tactical Optics
Swampfox Tactical Optics plans a May launch of its pistol optic, dubbed the Kraken. Using the RMR footprint, the Kraken has a 3 MOA red or green reticle, 2032 side-mounted battery, made from 7075 hard coated aluminum, ½” windage clicks (not just a tension screw), 10 brightness settings (2 NV compatible), shake & wake after 4 minutes, and an MSRP of $349.
What sets it apart? This is a closed emitter, duty grade, nitrogen-filled optic with emphasis on tough.
For more information see SwampFoxOptics.com or call 720-389-6719.
