Best Rifle Scopes at SHOT Show 2026: Smart Optics & Fire Control Systems

SHOT Show 2026 marks a turning point. Multiple manufacturers now offer scopes with integrated ballistic computers, environmental sensors, and heads-up displays that calculate and display firing solutions in real time. The traditional scope is becoming a fire control system.

Three products define this category: Maztech's X4-FCS projects solutions into existing LPVOs. Revic's Radikl RS25b integrates computation directly into the optic. Burris's Eliminator 6 brings the technology to a lower price point. Meanwhile, thermal scopes add ballistic calculators and reach 1280×1024 resolution.

Maztech X4-FCS

The Maztech X4-FCS ($3,495) is a fire control mount that pairs with existing 30mm or 34mm LPVOs. It projects an augmented reality holdover reticle into the scope using data from onboard temperature, pressure, humidity, pitch, roll, and heading sensors. The system uses Applied Ballistics software and can store up to 30 ballistic profiles.

The optional Maztech X4-LRF ($2,195) adds a 15,000-yard laser rangefinder with integrated weather station. The complete system runs $5,690 before tax.

Revic Radikl RS25b

The Revic Radikl RS25b ($3,995) is a 4-25x50 FFP riflescope with an integrated ballistic computer and Micro OLED heads-up display. The display shows elevation and windage solutions calculated by the second-generation Revic Ballistic Engine, accounting for aerodynamic jump, spin drift, and Coriolis effect. An eight-sensor suite samples environmental data in real time.

Burris Eliminator 6

The Burris Eliminator 6 (~$2,500) integrates a laser rangefinder into a 4-20x52mm riflescope. It ranges to 2,000+ yards on reflective targets and 1,400 yards on game. The scope's X177 reticle displays 177 aim points with 1/5 MOA precision. Built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer feed the ballistic calculator. Bluetooth connects to the BurrisConnect app for profile management.

SIG Sauer BDX System

SIG's Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) pairs KILO rangefinders with Sierra BDX scopes via Bluetooth. The rangefinder calculates the firing solution and transmits it to the scope, which illuminates the holdover dot. BDX 2.0 adds QUICKbond pairing and preset ballistic groups that work without the smartphone app. The system is capped at 800-yard solutions on Sierra3 BDX models.

Discovery Optics: Budget Electronic Level

Discovery Optics demonstrates that intelligent features don't require premium pricing. Their ED-PRS Gen III 5-25x integrates an internal electronic bubble level visible without breaking cheek weld, with sensitivity adjustment dial, priced under $600. The HD Gen III 5-30x adds improved "meat grinder" turret texture across the line. The updated 6-36x drops minimum parallax from 40 yards to 15 yards with a standard 34mm tube.

As Discovery's Andrew John noted at the show: "Nobody in the price point has touched that yet." Q3 2026 release expected.

EOTech OGL-C: Commercial Laser/Illuminator

EOTech brings their military On-Gun Laser to the commercial market with the OGL-C. The eye-safe variant features an IR illuminator adjustable from flood to spot, meeting FDA requirements while retaining the pattern generators and tools from the standard OGL. Same durable construction as the LE/military variant.

Thermal sensor resolution at the high end has jumped from 640×512 to 1280×1024, quadrupling pixel count. This brings thermal imaging closer to optical clarity. Several manufacturers showcased 1280-class sensors at SHOT Show 2026.

InfiRay/Nocpix ACE S60R

InfiRay Outdoor (now rebranding to Nocpix in the US market) announced the ACE S60R with a 1280×1024 sensor. This is the first commercial thermal rifle scope at this resolution from InfiRay, effectively quadrupling the pixel count over their 640-class sensors.

Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF 60 Series

Pulsar's Thermion 2 LRF 60 series (XL60, XG60, XP60) combines a 60mm objective lens with high-definition sensors and integrated laser rangefinder with ballistic calculator. The Thermion housing uses 30mm rings, mounting like a traditional riflescope.

Pulsar also introduced the Merger XT50 LRF thermal binoculars with 1280 resolution and integrated rangefinder.

The Telos LRF XL50 introduces a modular approach: users can send units back to Pulsar to upgrade components like adding a rangefinder or upgrading sensor sensitivity without buying a new device.

Pulsar Trail 3 LRF & Symbion

Pulsar expands its mid-range thermal lineup with the Trail 3 LRF series. The XQ50 Pro uses a 384 sensor while the XR50 LRF features 640 resolution with 12-micron pixels, sub-18mK NETD sensitivity, and a 1,500-yard laser rangefinder.

The Symbion binoculars represent a new category: hybrid multi-spectral imaging combining thermal, digital night vision, and color daytime modes in one unit. The XR model uses 640 resolution; the flagship DXT50 reaches 1280 resolution. Shooters can switch imaging modes based on conditions without changing equipment.

AGM Rattler V3 50-640 LRF

AGM's Rattler V3 50-640 LRF is the first compact Rattler with a built-in laser rangefinder (1,000m capability). It uses a 640×512 sensor with sub-15 mK sensitivity and a 2560×2560 OLED display. The LRF is integrated into the lens assembly, adding no bulk. A ballistic calculator is included.

DNT Optics Hydra Mini

DNT Optics addresses the modular thermal market with the Hydra Mini: a compact unit designed for both helmet mounting and rifle clip-on use. Available with 256, 384, or 640 resolution sensors and 10mm or 15mm lens options. DNT prioritizes affordability while delivering multi-role capability. As their rep noted: "They want a helmet-mounted handheld monocular. Let's give them something that's designed to be helmet-mounted."

Nightforce introduces the NX6 family: six riflescope models spanning 1-6x24mm through 6-36x56mm. The defining feature is the FieldSet turret system, which allows shooters to convert between capped, exposed, and custom BDC turrets using nothing more than a coin.

The FieldSet system resets both the dial and zero stop in a single action. No tools required: insert a coin, rotate, done. Turrets are interchangeable, so hunters can run capped turrets for field carry, then swap to exposed dials for precision work. Custom BDC turrets are also available for specific load profiles.

All models offer both first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) reticle options. The 6x zoom ratio across the lineup provides versatility without optical compromise. Lightweight construction keeps weight down without sacrificing the legendary Nightforce durability.

Leupold revives the Mark 4 designation with the Mark 4HD series. The M5C3 ZeroLock turrets deliver 30 MILs of adjustment in just 3 revolutions with 0.1 MIL clicks. Revolution indicators prevent getting lost in the travel, and the ZeroLock feature eliminates inadvertent adjustments.

Two configurations at launch: 2.5-10x42mm and 8-32x56mm. The 2.5-10x is optimized for medium-power variable (MPVO) use, a category seeing renewed interest in 2026. The 8-32x targets long-range precision shooters who need extreme magnification with reliable tracking.

The M5C3 turret design provides tactile and visual click indicators. ZeroLock prevents the turret from rotating accidentally during field carry. The Mark 4HD series brings legendary Mark 4 durability into the modern era with HD glass and contemporary reticle options.

Revic showcases the Acura BR10 Gen 2 rangefinder binoculars: 10x42 configuration with ranging capability to 8,000 yards on reflective surfaces, 2,800 yards on non-reflective, and 2,200 yards on game. The laser is 93% more powerful than the previous generation.

The heads-up display integrates the Revic Ballistic Engine, providing instant firing solutions without breaking eye contact with the target. GPS Raypoint allows shooters to mark ranged targets as waypoints with a single button press. Environmental sensors and an integrated weather station feed real-time atmospherics into the ballistic calculations.

The BR10 connects to the Revic Ops app via Bluetooth for load profile management and over-the-air firmware updates. The Gen 2 Smart Range (RSR) system syncs with Revic scopes for turret coordination. Improved edge-to-edge clarity, better low-light performance, and enhanced resolution distinguish the Gen 2 from its predecessor.

Holosun expands its red dot lineup with updated 507C-X3 and 407C-X3 models featuring larger windows and refined lens geometry. The 507C-X3 offers multi-reticle selection: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or combined circle-dot. The 407C-X3 simplifies with a single 2 MOA dot for precision work.

The IRIS-ARC integrates laser aiming and illumination into a compact package that interfaces with Holosun reflex sights. This creates a unified night-fighting ecosystem. The ARO-EVO DUAL combines a 2 MOA dot with 65 MOA circle-dot reticle, adding both visible green and IR lasers for low-light and night-vision applications.

The AEMS series receives EVO and EVO DUAL updates: expanded viewing windows, forward-facing light sensors that adjust reticle brightness based on target environment, and rugged 7075-T6 aluminum housings with IPX8 waterproof ratings.

Vortex unveils its 2026 high-definition scope lineup and compact red dot systems. HK USA announces new pistol lines will ship with Vortex Defender series optics factory-mounted. The AMG 1-10x24 receives updates focused on ruggedization and optical precision.

More manufacturers are integrating ranging optics with rifle scopes and adding onboard computation. This trend toward electronic features was visible across several booths at SHOT Show 2026.

Schmidt & Bender showcased the Meta 3-18x42 FFP, though this was technically announced at SHOT Show 2025 with September 2025 availability. The FFP version features the new SBX reticle designed for maximum shooting accuracy. Wide field-of-view scopes are expected to proliferate after a key Swarovski patent expires in June 2026.

Budget red dots flood the market. Holosun leads the charge, but multiple manufacturers are delivering sub-$200 optics with feature sets that would have commanded premium pricing two years ago. Solar charging, shake-awake technology, and multi-reticle systems are no longer exclusive to high-end models.