Prism scopes are popular with people who want a lightweight and compact optic with little or no magnification. In addition to this, they offer a variety of reticle options that are etched directly into the glass, versus projected on a reflecting plane like a holographic or a red dot sight. However, that means you'll need illumination of some kind in low light conditions. They're also significantly larger and heavier than most red dot or holographic sights, but smaller than a variable power optic. Here's what's new in prism optics for 2022.
Axeon | Prism 3XRD
Looking for a fixed-power prismatic sight? Axeon’s new Prism 3XRD offers both red and green aiming points on an etched reticle to accompany the fixed-power magnification. Flip-up lens covers, tethered turret covers and short sections of Picatinny rail for mounting backup dot sights are all standard equipment.
Magnification: 3X
Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
Reticle: Etched ballistic
Length: 6.4 inches
Weight: 16 ounces
MSRP: $129.99
(479) 646-4210; axeonoptics.com
Burris | RT-5
Designed for shooters with personal protection or competitive shooting in mind, Burris’ latest addition to its RT line features a compact, one-piece aluminum body and high-performance, multi-coated lenses for enhanced brightness and clarity. Its ballistic reticle has holdover markings for both windage and elevation.
Magnification: 5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 33.8 mm
Reticle: Ballistic
Length: 4.25 inches
Weight: 9.5 ounces
MSRP: $539
(888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com
Primary Arms | SLx 3X MicroPrism
Combining the small dimensions and light weight of a compact dot sight with the durability and precision of a 3X-magnified optic, the SLx MicroPrism provides added versatility at short to medium ranges. Its reticle has 13 illumination settings and a motion-sensing, auto-off switch. The included mount can be set to eight different heights for compatability with many firearms.
Magnification: 3X
Objective Lens Diameter: 23 mm
Reticle: ACSS RAPTOR 5.56 Y
Length: 3 inches
Weight: 8 ounces
MSRP: $319.99
(713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com
Swampfox | Saber
If a fixed-power, prismatic scope is what you’re looking for, Swampfox’s Saber offers 5X magnification with a 10-degree field-of-view—that’s 30.9 feet at 100 yards. There are two short sections of Picatinny rail built into the Saber to allow a mini-red-dot sight to be attached for both right- or left-handed shooters.
Magnification: 5X
Objective Lens Diameter: 38 mm
Reticle: 42-MOA holdover
Length: 5.74 inches
Weight: 24.7 ounces
MSRP: $389
(720) 389-6719; swampfoxoptics.com
