Hey Freedom Gorillas, we’re back from SHOT Show 2025, and wow—there was no shortage of amazing new optics on display! If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick recap of the coolest things I spotted at the show (in no particular order). Let’s dive in:
Primary Arms HTX-1
Let’s kick things off with the Primary Arms HTX-1. This was, without a doubt, one of the standouts. It’s 100% made in the USA—even down to the screws. That’s a big deal for anyone who cares about top-tier quality control and wants truly American-made components.
Key Features
- Enclosed emitter design
- MOS and RMR plates included (compatible with RMR slides that have ZEV posts)
- Co-witness with standard iron sights on Glock (a rarity unless you’re using something like the Holosun SCS MOS)
- ACSS Vulcan reticle with a 4 MOA dot and 240 MOA dotted outer circle (or a 4 MOA dot-only version if you want to save 50 bucks)
- Price: $700 retail, with a release date around Q2
My Thoughts
Yes, $700 is on the higher side, but remember you’re getting a fully American-made product with excellent support. You also save some cash by not having to swap out your factory iron sights. I shot with it and really liked how intuitive and crisp the reticle felt. Keep an eye out for an in-depth video review once I can get my hands on it and run it through its paces more thoroughly.
Holosun DPS-TH
Holosun showed off a prototype of the DPS-TH last year, but in 2025 it feels like a real, finished product. This optic lets you overlay a thermal view directly onto the display, and when you’re not using the thermal mode, you can still run it like a regular red dot.
Key Features
- The thermal sensor is also a regular PID flashlight
- Three thermal overlay modes: White Hot, Highlight, and Outline
- Battery life is significantly improved compared to last year’s prototype
My Thoughts
At first, I wasn’t sure who Holosun was targeting with this pistol-mounted thermal, but after shooting it, I realized it’s one of those “I didn’t know I needed it until I tried it” situations. The release date sounds like it’ll be late this year, but if you want "the best optic" around, this is it.
EOTech Vudu / EFLX Combo
EOTech came in hot with their 3-9x32 Vudu riflescope, which is only 6.8 inches long—super compact. And they’ve paired it with their EFLX red dot right on top.
Key Features
- Built-in mount with an attached EFLX (or you can buy just the Vudu)
- Scope is second focal plane with EOTech’s HC1 reticle (EOTech said first focal plane versions may come later)
- 1/4 MOA turrets, capped for protection
- $999 for the scope alone or $1,349 with the EFLX combo
- The red dot mount uses a DPP footprint (though EOTech is also working on an RMR mount as well)
My Thoughts
I love the compact design, and the ability to have a red dot directly on top is perfect for close-quarters work. The glass clarity is top-notch, and the mount is compatible with mini-ACOG footprints. This thing can sit on just about any platform, the 1.5" mount makes it perfect for ARs. Expect it around March.
Viridian LCP MAX
Viridian surprised me with an optic for the Ruger LCP Max—a platform that is not optics-ready. They achieved this by replacing the rear iron sight with a custom dovetail plate that accommodates the very slim frame of the LCP Max.
Key Features
- Green dot reticle only
- Custom plate designed specifically for the LCP Max (no overhang or awkward fit)
- MSRP around $229, with a Q2/Q3 release window
My Thoughts
Pocket pistols like the LCP Max aren’t optics-ready, so this is exciting. It’s slim enough to match the LCP Max’s profile and still gives you a dot for easier aiming. Viridian also hinted at a potential solution for the S&W Bodyguard 2.0, which would be another exciting release. I spoke to Viridian and they mentioned that they have something in the works for the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 as well, which again would be huge because there are no other optic options for those platforms.
Holosun ARO-EVO
Holosun is discontinuing the 403 and 503 lines and replacing them with the ARO and ARO-EVO. The big upgrade here is the 26mm tube (up from 20mm), plus some fresh features.
Key Features
- Lower 1/3 co-witness pedestal mount (T2 compatible, so existing aftermarket mounts will work)
- New SPR reticle (Special Purpose Reticle) with BDC and ranging features
- Available in red, green, and gold reticles
- Lens cap and anti-reflection device options
My Thoughts
If you were a fan of the 403/503 but want something bigger and more advanced, the ARO-EVO seems like the logical step up. The SPR reticle sounds promising for those who want a little more functionality than just a dot, and when paired with a magnifier this should be a great go-to choice. With this release though the 515 series seems repetitive so I wouldn't be surprised if that line gets discontinued.
PA CLx Microprism
Primary Arms is back again with another prism option, this time a super compact one in their new CLx line. Perfect for those with astigmatism—or anyone wanting a super clear reticle even without battery power.
Key Features
- Etched reticle (still visible with no battery)
- 1x and 3x versions available
- T1/T2 footprint for mounting
- Under $200 price point, available around Q2
My Thoughts
PA continues to impress with affordable but solid options. Having an etched reticle at this price is a big win. If you have an astigmatism or just like the reliability of prism scopes, definitely keep this on your radar.
Mepro MCO PRO
Meprolight has been around for 35 years and supplies optics to the IDF, yet they often fly under the radar. Their new MCO PRO (Mepro Carbine Optic) is meant to bridge the gap between pistol-style and full-sized carbine optics.
Key Features
- 3 segment reticle: 2 MOA dot, 68 MOA speed ring, and a ring with BDC
- Comes with a 1.5-inch mount (1/3 co-witness)
- MSRP $390, available in February
My Thoughts
If you’re already familiar with Meprolight’s pistol optics, you’ll feel right at home here. The 3-segment reticle is an awesome all-around choice for quick target acquisition and some extended range holdovers.
Olight S
Last year, Olight showed off the Osight (an RMR-footprint pistol optic). Now, they’ve come back with a second generation: the X (RMR footprint) and the S (RMSc footprint). The big news is an enclosed emitter RMSc design on the S model.
Key Features
- Multi-reticle system (3 MOA dot, 32 MOA ring)
- OAL material housing (19% harder than 7075 aluminum, similar to titanium strength)
- Magnetic charging cover remains from the previous generation
- Price around $230–$250, available now
My Thoughts
It’s cool to see companies listening to user feedback and iterating quickly. The enclosed emitter on the S model is a big plus, and the new reticle options give you more flexibility. Overall the price is very competitive at $230-$250 and is available right now. I’d imagine like the original generation we’ll see a green dot version as well as a FDE housing with a red and green reticle option as well.
Glock/Aimpoint COA
This collaboration has been a major buzz online. Glock and Aimpoint teamed up to offer a pistol + optic package across models like the G43x, G19, G45, G47, and G48.
Key Features
- Pricing: $834–$970 depending on the model
- Uses a new A-CUT footprint (exclusive to Glock for a year, not compatible with existing optics)
- Co-witness with standard height sights (though the co-witness is a bit better on the HTX-1, in my opinion)
My Thoughts
I’m personally a fan of how Aimpoint slimmed things down from the ACRO’s “mailbox” shape. The downside is the new footprint will lock you into that optic. Still, for the price of a new Glock plus an Aimpoint, it’s not a bad deal. If you’re already in the market for both, this could be a neat package.
Holosun 3x Prism (MP3X)
Rounding out the list is the new MP3X from Holosun—a 3x fixed magnification prism. Like mentioned previously, prism optics are ideal for shooters with astigmatism and still functions without battery power, thanks to an etched reticle.
Key Features
- Dual-illumination (red or green from the same unit)
- QD Picatinny mount included
- Reticle has BDC holdovers and ranging features
My Thoughts
A 3x prism plus an offset red dot is always a popular combo. I like that Holosun built in both color options so you don’t have to pick red or green from the get-go. This is Holosun's first prism optic, so I'm interested in seeing how it compares to their red dots.
Conclusion
There’s always more at SHOT Show than you can possibly see in a single trip, but these were the optics that really caught my eye. If you saw something else that blew your mind, drop a comment below and let us know—we’re always looking to highlight more awesome optics.
