There are a TON of different rifle sights out in the firearms market today. With many different manufacturers and companies are selling various forms of quality and not so quality attachments, it’s hard to determine which rifle sights are the best. As with most online shopping, the best way to decipher the good products from the bad are reading the reviews. The problem is, “who has time to read all those reviews?” Well, we did it for you. Not only did we read the reviews, we did research on the best companies.
So you are probably wondering who the best companies are. After plenty of research we came to a couple companies that are very well known and used by military, law enforcement, and long-time shooters alike. Trijicon and EOTECH are probably the most popular rifle attachments companies around today. They have made reliable rifle sights including precision scopes, night vision and hybrid attachments for decades now.
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3-4x Magnifiers
3x and 4x magnification sights are some of the most used sights on rifles and other long guns. They are designed to have a short zoom while adding very visible aiming reticle to help you acquire your desired target. These types of attachments also come in various looks and designs with different reticles for calculating your shot better.
If you are new to shooting and you need a good quality starter sight, start here. Most optics at this range will be a multipurpose – good for most target acquisitions. Feel free to do more research in the features of these optics so you can decide what you need in a right site.
It comes down to needs
Both of these rifle sights below are top notch sights that are used by various law enforcement and military personnel. They fill most roles as a multipurpose sight. Remember, you get what you pay for and if your life is on the line, it’s a safe bet to go with quality rather than what is good for your wallet. Your life will thank you later.
Trijicon ACOG 4×32 Scope
This is one of Trijicon’s most famous sight. You will find the Trijicon ACOG on many military rifles around the world. It is a 4x magnification sight which features a dual illumination reticle that provide both daytime and nighttime use. The Trijicon ACOG has been battle proven, incredibly clear, durable, and doesn’t run on batteries. You will pay a pretty penny, but your shot groupings will benefit greatly.
EOTECH Holographic Hybrid
EOTECH is famous for their Holographic weapon sights. This hybrid set is the perfect match for those looking to get the best of two worlds – magnified and non-magnified shooting. The set comes with the EOTECH 518 which is the non-magnified sight and the EOTECH G33 side flip sight which magnifies the 518 sight to a 3x magnification. Whenever you need to “zoom in” on a target, you can do so with a quick flip.
Precision Rifle Scopes
Doing so hunting with your rifle? Precision scopes are the attachment you need to get that long range shot you want. Used a lot in hunting, often referred to as a “sniper scope”, precision scopes can be used to pinpoint where you fire the round in the target. This can be very useful when hunting to bring down a target by shooting in a specific spot.
Seeing things clearly
With the precision scopes, the same applies for these two companies. Trijicon and EOTECH both provide stellar optics in their rifle sights. These scopes have been deemed indestructible and clear as day. The Trijicon model is a mid range precision scope. The EOTECH is situated for much longer engagements. Do your research and select your scope depending on what you need.
Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG Riflescope
The best way to get introduced to a precision rifle scope especially for your AR-15 would be this scope right here – the Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG. Since this scope has been reviewed as one of the best mid-long range scopes due to durability, accuracy, and dependability, it’s safe to say that this scope will be one of the best choices you will ever make for outfitting your rifle. Granted, the Trijicon 1-6×24 VCOG scope might cost you more than your rifle itself but, once again, you definitely get what you pay for.
EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm
Looking for no frills? The EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm is a standard top-notch long range scope is just that. It works under all conditions due to its state of the art crafting with aircraft grade materials and high density glass for the optics. It zeros on target easily and recoil is not an issue due to the quality of the scope. I highly recommend the EOTECH Vudu 3.5-18x50mm to anyone trying to put rounds down range 200 yards and longer.
Hi-Tech Scopes
Maybe you are not just a hunter, but a HARDCORE hunter. You are the one looking for the kill day in and day out – the hunter that is looking for the edge when seeking the kill. These scopes would be for you. Technology has found the the edge in hunting. Thermal and Night Vision tech has improved the viability of not only hitting your shot better but identifying your target in bad weather and/or night time conditions.
This improved technology has been applied to hunting. It’s not just the videographers, HVAC techs, and the military personnel who get to use this tech anymore. This technology has been adapted by the firearms community and made to be attachments as rifle scopes. Not only do these hi-tech scopes come with stellar technology, the additional features like video recording and picture-in-picture modes make these scopes well worth your money.
What features do you need?
The two companies stated above do not, as of yet, produce thermal scopes for firearms. We had to do some extra digging to find out who produced thermal imaging scopes with night vision capabilities. Two popular, well reviewed companies, Pulsar and ATN came up as some of the best companies that produce thermal imaging riflescopes. Below are the two thermal imaging scopes that are highly rated and some of the best models each respective company.
Pulsar Trail XQ50
Thermal imaging scopes on you rifles are an amazing thing. The Pulsar Trail XQ50 great scope can do a multitudes of things. It is a 384×288 resolution and has a variable 2.1-8.4x magnification at a 50 Hz frame rate. People have been able to spot various animals at almost 1km away. The features are incredible – High Recoil Resistance Rating, Video recording, Mobile remote control, and waterproof. If you are a full year hunter, the Pulsar Trail XQ50 thermal imaging scope will be an absolute essential tool to have on your rifle.
ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope
One of the most intuitive thermal imaging scopes I have ever seen. The ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope is a full color thermal reading picture with video recording steaming to your mobile device all at a 640×480 resolution. The sensors are next-gen so they can provide a clear image and be able to calculate ballistics and range for each shot. With over 16 hours of continuous battery power, the ATN Thor 4 Thermal Rifle Scope scope will last a long time in the field.
If you have the money, these rifle sights and scopes are THE thing to get for long lasting, dependable aiming with your rifle. If you are new to guns and are looking for a something to get you started, make sure you do some additional to get the right scope for your needs. I would start with the 3-4x magnifiers and reassess after you have gained some experience shooting.
Now, if you are looking for something a little cheaper, well, we got that covered also.
Get out there and shoot. Remember – Practice Makes Proficient.
