Crimson Trace Releases the HRO – Heavy Recoil Optic

Luke C.
by Luke C.
Photo: Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace has finally released the much anticipated HRO or Heavy Recoil Optic. This new optic was announced previously at SHOT Show 2022 and is specifically designed (as per its name) to work with heavy recoil firearms like the FN SCAR 17 and other full-size rifles that pack a punch. The HRO will come standard with a ruggedized design, intuitive controls, and a full co-witness with backup iron sights.

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Photo: Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace Releases the HRO – Heavy Recoil Optic

The HRO™ (Heavy Recoil Optic) is the next generation of quick acquisition tactical reflex sights. Packed with best-in-class features like CT Motion “shake-to-wake” sensor and integrated Pic Rail mount, the HRO™ looks good and performs even better.

Having seen the optic myself during SHOT Show 2022, the HRO is quite a beefy-looking optic but comes in at just under 9 ounces in weight putting it in the same weight class as the holographic EOTech XPS2. However, the HRO comes with a bunch of neat features that are not found on the EOTech including an 8-hour auto shutoff function, a CT MOTION Sensor that automatically turns the reflex sight back on, and a much lower out-the-door price.

Photo: Nick C - TFB

The HRO will come standard with an integrated universal Picatinny rail mount, brightness adjustments on both sides of the optic, and a side access battery tray. Speaking of the batteries, Crimson Trace states that the new HRO has a battery life of up to 50,000 hours on a CR2 battery.

Check Prices on Crimson Trace Heavy Recoil Optic (HRO)

The new Crimson Trace Heavy Recoil Optic is available now directly from the Crimson Trace website for a price of $479.99. For more information or to take advantage of 10% off your next order with Crimson Trace, you can sign up for their “Crimson Club” email list for free. Do you have a firearm that this optic would be useful on for its more robust design meant for .308 rifles and up? Let us know down in the comments.

Photo: Nick C - TFB

HRO Specifications

  • Fit: Universal Pic Rail
  • Dot Size: 2 MOA – Red
  • Runtime: 50,000 Hours
  • CT Motion Sensor: Yes
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Construction: Aerospace Aluminum
  • Waterproof: IPX7
  • Weight: 8.5 oz with battery
Photo: Nick C - TFB

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Luke C.
Luke C.

Reloader SCSA Competitor Certified Pilot Currently able to pass himself off as the second cousin twice removed of Joe Flanigan. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballisticaviation/

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  • Int19h Int19h on Sep 07, 2022

    What 7.62x51 guns other than SCAR require this kind of ruggedized red dot to handle the recoil?

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    • Int19h Int19h on Sep 08, 2022

      @XT6Wagon That's the thing, though - red dots from respectable brands can handle 12ga recoil just fine, so it's kinda surprising that a relatively wimpy cartridge like .308 can suddenly break things.

  • Anomanom Anomanom on Sep 09, 2022

    Nice. I hope they'll do a circle-dot version. It would be perfect for shotgun.

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