New gun optics are coming out all the time, some of which carry the potential to reinvent the scope industry and change the way we hunt or, for casual fun, shoot bottles with our friends.
Want to know which optics to keep an eye on in the coming months? Take a look at the five top new gun optics.
5 Top New Gun Optics
1. Leupold VX-3i ZeroLock
We’re not at all surprised that Leupold is topping the charts again and looking to impress us in the latter half of 2020.
This new model has a special “ZeroLock CDS” dial that will stop you from accidentally adjusting your windage or elevation metrics by bumping the dials, it will return your scope to zero when necessary.
“CDS” stands for Leupold’s proprietary Custom Dial System, which will let you set yardages depending on your rifle’s bullet drop.
The rest of the scope is excellent as well, and it comes in different models with magnification ranges from 3.5x-10x and 4.5x-14x depending on your needs.
Multicoated optics, weatherproof tubing, and easy mounting systems are staple features we expect to return with this quality rifle scope.
2. Athlon Argos 1-8X
The Athlon Argos is a great, budget-friendly choice that offers low-powered magnification settings, suitable for close or hunting engagements and semiautomatic rifles.
The magnification ring spins smoothly and fluidly, and it features high-quality glass lenses despite its low asking price.
We also like the illuminated circle that’s perfect for contrasting against your target’s environment. Holdover points for range and windage will help you make adjustments before taking a shot up to 600 yards away from your target.
3. Bushnell 3-9×40 Engage Illuminated Scope
Bushnell is also looking to make waves this year by adding an illuminated reticle to its line of top-tier riflescopes. This particular model is compact and easy to mount and weighs less than a pound – perfect for smaller rifles that might be unbalanced otherwise.
It comes with an illuminated dot for added target acquisition and six brightness settings you can tinker with at your pleasure.
The scope also offers a fast-focus eyepiece and multicoated glass, increasing light transmission and ensuring excellent lens durability, even if you use this scope for a ton of hunting trips in inclement weather.
4. Eotech Vudu 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope
This second focal plane riflescope features a unique magnification swap control: a lever that will let you dial the magnification higher or lower with a snapping motion.
It takes a bit of getting used to, but you can also remove this lever if you prefer a regular dial like the ones that most scopes use.
VUDU® 1-8X24 SFP image by EOTech
On the inside, the scope boasts an illuminated dot and SFP reticle that includes MOA adjustment and bullet drop compensation hash marks. We also like the aircraft-grade aluminum that makes up its exterior, which keeps the weight low and manageable overall.
5. SwampFox Blade 1×25 Prism Scope
This scope is a little different from the others in that it’s a prism scope that can replace red dot sights. It can’t change magnification powers, but this does make it a fantastic tactical scope for longer-range engagements with an automatic rifle or shotgun.
In other words, it’s better for urban or tactical combat or for target practice competitions that simulate these settings.
The Blade features an excellent control system, dual lens caps, and a sturdy frame that can withstand plenty of punishment, even on high-recoil weapons.
Wrap Up
We can’t wait to get our hands on each of these optics ourselves and give them a few trial runs. We’re not sure which is set to be our favorite (though the Leupold scope is looking mighty interesting right now), and we’ll be sure to let you know which optics really stand the test of time once we try them out!
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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on September 4, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
