The military uses rifle scopes such as the Trijicon ACOG, Leupold Mark 5HD, and advanced systems like the Vortex XM-157. Common optics include LPVOs for general combat, high-magnification scopes for sniping, and red dot or holographic sights like Trijicon RMR and EOTech, depending on mission and weapon system.
Close-Quarters Combat Optics Used by the Military
For close-quarters combat scenarios, military personnel need optics that deliver lightning-fast target acquisition while maintaining absolute reliability. These specialized sighting systems have proven themselves through years of combat deployment across diverse operational environments.
EOTech EXPS3: Holographic sight for fast target acquisition
The EOTech EXPS3 stands apart from traditional red dots as a true holographic weapon sight (HWS), making it the close combat optic of choice for US Special Operations Command. Unlike conventional red dots, this system projects a holographic reticle at 200m to minimize parallax, creating a floating aiming point that remains visible even when the sight window is damaged.
Built with extreme conditions in mind, the EXPS3 features 20 daylight settings plus 10 additional settings compatible with night vision devices from Gen I through III+. The optic runs on a single CR123 battery providing approximately 1,000 hours of continuous operation at room temperature. Furthermore, its 7mm raised quick detach mount allows for lower 1/3 iron sight co-witness, enhancing versatility in tactical situations.
Aimpoint Comp M4: The Army’s standard red dot
The Aimpoint Comp M4 has earned its reputation as possibly the most widely issued optic throughout the military. Designated as the M68CCO (Close Combat Optic), this battle-tested sight has been the US Army’s standard for over two decades.
What truly sets the Comp M4 apart is its extraordinary battery life – a single AA battery powers the sight for over 80,000 hours (approximately 8 years) of continuous use. This remarkable longevity means soldiers never need to worry about their optic failing at critical moments. Consequently, over 1.5 million Comp series sights have been deployed worldwide by military forces.
The 2 MOA red dot provides a simple yet effective aiming solution that works seamlessly with all generations of night vision devices. Notably, the sight housing features hard-anodized aluminum construction to withstand the harshest environmental conditions.
Trijicon RMR: Mini red dot for pistols and backup use
The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) Type 2 represents the evolution of compact optics in military applications. Special Operations Command acquired these mini red dots primarily for handguns, creating a more accurate sighting system for pistols.
Beyond pistol use, the RMR has found an important secondary role as a close-range backup sight for machine guns in the Marine Corps. Its compact design also makes it ideal for “piggybacking” onto variable optics, giving operators a contingency for close-quarters engagements when using magnified scopes. The Type 2 improved upon the original design, creating a truly durable miniature sight that can withstand the abuse of a reciprocating slide.
Mid-Range and Versatile Optics
Beyond close-quarters engagement, military operations often require versatile optics capable of both rapid target acquisition and precision at extended ranges. Mid-range optics bridge this critical gap, offering soldiers the flexibility to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.
Trijicon ACOG: The Marine Corps’ trusted 4x scope
The Marines have long embraced the Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) as their primary optic. Unlike the Army’s initial preference for non-magnified sights, the Marines selected the 4x fixed-power prismatic optic for its extended range capabilities. This battle-tested scope features a bullet drop compensating (BDC) reticle that simplifies hitting targets out to 500 yards.
What truly sets the ACOG apart is its ingenious power system – it harnesses sunlight through fiber optic light pipes during daytime operations and switches to tritium illumination at night. This dual-illumination design ensures Marines never worry about batteries failing during critical moments.
Elcan Specter DR: Dual-role optic with switchable magnification
The Elcan Specter DR (Dual Role) represents a revolutionary approach to combat optics. With a simple throw of a lever, operators can instantly switch between 1x for close-quarters battle and 4x for medium-range engagements – with no zoom distortion or loss of eye relief. This unique capability eliminates the compromise between speed and precision.
Described as “built like a tank,” the Specter DR’s rugged construction withstands extreme abuse. As one Afghanistan veteran noted, despite being “dropped, bumped, thrown into trucks, choppers, even down a mountain daily,” the optic’s zero never shifted. The crystal-clear glass provides what users describe as “looking at a TV screen”.
Sig Sauer TANGO6T: The Army’s new LPVO for M4 platforms
In 2021, the U.S. Army selected the Sig Sauer TANGO6T to supplement and eventually replace older optics like the Aimpoint and ACOG. This 1-6x variable-magnification riflescope enables soldiers to engage both close-quarter targets and those at extended ranges.
The TANGO6T represents the third contract award for Sig Sauer, having previously been selected for the Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) and USSOCOM’s Squad-Variable Powered Scope (S-VPS). The first focal plane riflescope features the DWLR6 reticle, providing range estimation and wind holds at extreme distances.
Long-Range and Precision Scopes
Military snipers and designated marksmen rely on highly specialized optics engineered for extreme precision at extended ranges. These advanced scopes incorporate sophisticated features that enable accurate target engagement at distances exceeding 1,000 yards.
Leupold Mark 5HD: Selected for the Army’s sniper program
The U.S. Army officially selected the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56 as the day optic for its Precision Sniper Rifle program. This scope features a proprietary flat dark earth coating and the Army’s patented Mil-Grid Reticle. Primarily, the Mark 5HD mounts on the MK22 Mod 0 multi-caliber sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×51 NATO, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum.
What distinguishes the Mark 5HD is its remarkable weight reduction—up to 20 ounces lighter than comparable scopes in its class. The optic offers three revolutions of elevation adjustment, maximizing performance with modern long-range rifles and ammunition.
Nightforce ATACR: High-end scope for designated marksmen
The Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 4-20×50 F1 serves as both the Mid-Range and Designated Marksman solution for U.S. Special Operations Command. This scope enables target detection and engagement out to 1,200 meters.
The ATACR features exceptional ED glass for superior clarity, 0.1 Mil-Radian adjustments, and the Horus Vision TREMOR3 reticle. With 130 MOA/38 MRAD of elevation adjustment—the most in the ATACR family—this scope accommodates various cartridges and applications. Its 34mm body tube and 13.9-inch length balance durability with field practicality.
Trijicon VCOG: 1-8x LPVO for Marine M27 rifles
The Marine Corps selected the Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) 1-8×28 as their Squad Common Optic (SCO). Essentially, this optic combines ACOG-level durability with variable magnification versatility.
The VCOG stands out through its extraordinary ruggedness—forged from 7075-T6 aluminum and waterproof to 66 feet (20 meters). Its segmented ring reticle facilitates quick close-range shots, whereas the MRAD crosshair provides precise long-range holds. The large magnification dial allows for rapid adjustments without accidental movement during operations.
Next-Gen and Smart Military Optics
The battlefield continues to evolve with increasingly advanced optics that combine traditional glass with cutting-edge digital technology. Today’s next-generation military sighting systems offer capabilities that would have seemed like science fiction just a decade ago.
XM157 Fire Control Optic: Smart targeting with integrated rangefinder
The Army’s new XM157 Fire Control system represents a true leap forward in military optics technology. Built by Vortex as a 1-8×30 optic, this revolutionary system combines a traditional LPVO with integrated rangefinder, ballistic calculator, atmospheric sensors, digital compass, and wireless communication capabilities. Upon pressing a button, the system ranges targets, calculates ballistics based on environmental conditions, and displays the exact drop point in the shooter’s field of view—all within a fraction of a second.
Nightforce NXS: Rugged scope for SCAR-H and Mk13 platforms
Nightforce built its reputation on the NXS (Nightforce Xtreme Scope) family, which has served in the most dangerous places worldwide. Favored for SCAR-H rifles and Mk13 sniper platforms, these scopes feature incredible durability under extreme conditions. Notably, legendary Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle relied on NXS scopes, praising their ability to hold zero in harsh environments. The full-size NXS models particularly excel in long-range tactical operations.
Vortex Razor HD: Used by special forces for clarity and durability
The Vortex Razor HD line has earned its place among elite special operations units. The Gen II 1-6x version has been deployed across Middle Eastern battlefields for years, while the newer Gen III 1-10x represents one of the highest magnifications achieved in a scope with true 1x capability. Special forces operators praise its exceptionally clear glass, bright reticle illumination, and large eyebox—critical features for quick target acquisition in combat.
Conclusion
Military rifle scopes represent the pinnacle of optical engineering, specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of modern warfare. Throughout this exploration, we’ve seen how different combat scenarios require specialized optics, from the lightning-fast EOTech holographic sights to the precision-focused Leupold Mark 5HD sniper scopes.
Soldiers rely on these purpose-built optics because their lives literally depend on them. Consequently, military scopes must perform flawlessly under extreme conditions while remaining significantly lighter than comparable civilian options. The Aimpoint Comp M4, for instance, offers extraordinary battery life measured in years rather than hours, making it a trustworthy companion for extended deployments.
Additionally, the evolution of military optics continues at a rapid pace. The XM157 Fire Control system demonstrates this progression perfectly – combining traditional glass with cutting-edge ballistic computers, rangefinders, and environmental sensors. These smart optics fundamentally change how soldiers engage targets at distance.
