In the decades that I have spent in the shooting world, I have yet to find the one perfect optic that I would consider to be “universal” across a variety of disciplines. Like all gear choices, glass is a series of compromises that include size, weight, clarity, price and magnification. With the advances in manufacturing technologies in the last few years, companies have introduced some outstanding products that have brought us closer to the ‘one optic to rule them all’.

Here’s a few optics that we have used in 2018. Feel free to chime in the comments section below if your preferred scope didn’t make the list.

TFB’s 12 Days Of Christmas: Santa’s Glass

Vortex Razor 1-6 Gen2

The Vortex 1-6×24 Razor HD Gen II-E riflescope with JM-1 BDC reticle is versatile and superbly accurate for engaging short- to medium-range targets, truly a top-tier optic for the AR-15 platform. Of course, it’s got the glass – premium indexed HD optics that deliver the edge-to-edge sharpness and stunning image quality Vortex is famous for. XR Plus anti-reflective coatings increase light transmission for amazing image brightness, too.

Designed in collaboration with world-renowned competition shooter Jerry Miculek, the second focal plane JM-1 BDC reticle is simple, intuitive, and most importantly fast to get on target. Outfitted with a true daylight-bright illuminated center dot, the extremely versatile JM-1 BDC gives the shooter red dot sight functionality as close as 20 yards, yet can land precise distance shots out to 600 yards. Hash marks enable you to compensate for bullet drop at various yardages with standard .223/5.56 or .308/7.62 loads commonly used in AR-platform rifles.

EOTech Vudu 1-6X

Credit: Nick Chen – EOTech Factory tour

The EOTech Vudu 1-6×24 is a compact, yet fully loaded rifle scope designed to meet – and exceed – the expectations of the 3-Gun competitor and serious hunter. Starting with a rugged, 30mm aluminum tube, the Vudu 1-6×24 is equipped with the EOTech’s AR-coated glass for superb clarity and definition, backed up by a surgically precise turret system to help you make that critical long-range shot.

The EOTech Speed Ring reticle permits fast target engagement at low power, but at higher power provides the resolution and accuracy required to tackle longer shots. This is a first focal plane reticle, so the Vudu 1-6×24 easily delivers split-second ranging at all magnification levels.

Great for CQB to medium-range targeting, the EOTech Vudu 1-6×24 scope is right at home on your favorite AR-15 or even a traditional bolt action. Hunting, 3-gun competition, home defense, or literally bringing home the bacon – the Vudu 1-6×24 gets the job done.

Trijicon MRO

The Trijicon MRO™ (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a sealed miniature reflex sight intended for use on rifles, carbines and shotguns to provide fast target acquisition. The large aperture and tapered light path maximizes the viewing area and allows for better situational awareness and fast target engagement – especially from non-standard shooting positions. Combine all this with the ambidextrous brightness controls, sub-flush adjusters, advanced lens coatings and the fully sealed, waterproof, hard anodized forged 7075-T6 housing and you have the ultimate mini reflex sight on the market.

Trijicon RMR

Developed to improve precision and accuracy with any style or caliber of weapon, the Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) Type 2 is designed to be as durable as the legendary ACOG. The RM09 is an LED sight powered by a standard CR2032 battery. Housed in rugged forged aluminum, it’s extremely tough yet lightweight. The easy-to-use adjusters with audible clicks allow for quick windage and elevation adjustments.

With eight available brightness settings, the reticle can be manually adjusted by pressing the plus or minus buttons on either side of the unit. To switch to auto adjust mode simply press both buttons simultaneously and release. To save battery life turn the optic off by pressing both buttons simultaneously and holding for 3 seconds.

ANR DESIGN ANVL UKON

ANVL UKON

Bushnell Engage

• Exclusive EXO Barrier Protection – Bushnell’s newest and best protective lens coating molecularly bonds to the glass, repelling water, oil, dust, debris and preventing scratches.
• Fully Multi Coated – Multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on all air-to-glass surfaces deliver bright, high-contrast images.
• Deploy™ MOA reticle – Compatible with multiple calibers. The thin reticle doesn’t obscure the target, and MOA hashmarks aid in windage and elevation holdovers.

Aimpoint T-2

The all new Micro T-2 redefines everything you thought you knew about compact red dot sights. Instead of merely making improvements to an existing product, we started with a completely new design. Inside the completely new sight housing are advanced optical lenses that takes optical performance to a new level. Cutting edge lens coatings radically improve the shape and clarity of the 2 MOA red dot – especially when used with an accessory magnifier. Compare the Micro T-2 to any other compact optic. The competition doesn’t even come close.

Sig Sauer Romeo 5

• 2 MOA Red-Dot provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
• MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not. Provides for optimum operational safety and enhanced 50,000+ hour battery life
• Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications
• Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance
• Includes a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness 1.41” riser mount