Top 5 Optics Companies and Their Flagship Products

Prism scopes, red dots, and holographic sights are common accessories for most AR-15, AK-47, and other combat-style rifles. Red dots are fast becoming a standard attachment for handguns as well. This has led to an increased supply and demand for optics, which is good for consumers. It means we have lots of choices. But choosing the right one is not an easy task.

But if you want to keep things simple and focus on the best optic companies out there, here are five of the best you can find. I would say the first three are in that “elite” category and the most expensive. The last two fall into the budget-friendly category, but are still great-quality optics for the money.

1. Trijicon

Have you ever heard the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” Well, Trijicon got it right the first time, so they have stuck with what works. They still offer new products, but their classic optics are the center of the company. For Trijicon, you have the famous ACOG and RMR, both of which are contracted by the US Military. I don’t think there are any optics out there with a better reputation than Trijicon’s ACOG. When people say they are indestructible, they may be exaggerating a little, but not by much.

ACOG stands for “Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight” and is used by the USMC and Special Operations Forces. A medium-range magnified optic, the ACOG is not just tested with industry standards, it’s battle-proven as well. For handguns and small arms, they also make the RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight. Just like the ACOG, the RMR is known for its durability. It will run for years on one battery depending on how much it’s used. If you want to shell out the money, you will never be disappointed with these two optics.

2. Aimpoint

Aimpoint is second on the list, but it doesn’t mean they are second in quality. They are also a battle-proven optic and are still used by the US Military. My son recently graduated from USMC Basic Training, and guess what old beat-up optics were mounted to their rifles: ACOGS and Aimpoints used by recruits year-round on the range, crawling through the mud and getting all kinds of abuse. But they are still running strong.

Older versions of the CompM2 have been updated to the CompM4, but Aimpoint produces other versions in the Comp series as well.

The CompM4 is currently being used by the military, but they also offer the PRO (patrol rifle optic) for law enforcement. If you want a cheaper version that is still an outstanding optic, you can try the ACO (Aimpoint Carbine Optic), which retails for under $400 and has the same design as the CompM4 and PRO optics. While it’s not an old legendary optic, their new ACRO P2 reflex sight is already making waves in the optics world. This will possibly set the trend for a new style of handgun-mounted optics.

3. EOTech

The third and final choice in the elite world of optics is the EOTech HWS (Holographic Weapon Sights) series. These optics stand out from the others. As implied in the name, they are holographic sights, which makes them extremely reliable. They do require more power, which makes the battery life shorter when compared to Trijicon and Aimpoint. But these optics will keep running even when the front glass is broken out of them. EOTech optics are also used by members of the military and have been battle-proven as well.

Within their HWS line of optics, they produce the 5x series, XPS series, and EXPS series. These are basically the same overall design of optic but have different battery sizes and other options like night vision capabilities. I’ve used EOTech sights for years and there is a noticeable difference between a red dot and holographic sight. Most EOTech HWS sights retail in the $500-$745 price range making them a great choice for the money.

4. Holosun

Holosun is a rising star in the civilian optics world. Known for their solar-powered optics, Holosun makes a great line of pistol and rifle red dots. They have an entire new line of optics available like the SCRS, SCS, and 507 COMP but their flagship optic for a while has been the 407c X2. A pistol-mounted red dot with a failsafe solar power strip built into the top. It uses the RMR footprint and is durable for an optic that retails for less than $300.

The Picatinny-mounted 403C is popular for AR-15 rifles and has the same failsafe solar system that will power the optic even if the battery is dead. All you need is a little light. One battery will run for more than 50,000 hours with this red dot. Their new SCRS is an “always on” optic that keeps the battery charged with its solar system. This optic looks a little bit like Trijicon’s MRO reflex sight, but I’m not complaining. It’s a great-looking optic.

5. Vortex

Vortex is possibly the best bang for the buck. They make some great optics at a reasonable price and back it up with an unconditional lifetime warranty. One of their most popular optics is the Strikefire II red dot. It runs on a CR2 battery and is available in red and green dots. Another popular optic from Vortex is the Crossfire, which also works great for AR-15 rifles.

While not a flagship product, Vortex’s new CCW Defender pistol-mounted reflex sight is proving to be a great optic. With an RMSc footprint, this reflex sight was made for concealed carry guns and is extremely rugged. I’ve frozen, baked, dropped, and soaked it in water with no issues. It was made to provide support for your hand when racking the slide and is bright and easy to see. The best thing about Vortex, however, is their warranty. As I mentioned above, it’s unconditional. That means you don’t need a receipt and it doesn’t matter how it broke. If it doesn’t work, they will fix it or replace it — even if you’re not the original owner.

Ready to purchase an optic?

If you are new to the optics world, I hope this list will help provide some ideas as you navigate through the process. Some want to find a reasonably priced optic that is reliable and meets their purposes. Others are gear junkies with deep pockets and a desire for top-tier gear. Either way, there are seemingly endless options.

It’s also likely you have more than one gun and want reliable optics on them all. Buying one military-grade optic and some other budget-friendly reliable optics is a great plan. It all comes down to how much you want to spend and what type of optics you like. Either way, there is a good chance if it’s on this list, you will not be disappointed.