Tropo Performance

Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

XS Sights Introduces R3D 2.0 Night Sights for Springfield Echelon Pistols

Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas (June 20, 2025) – XS® Sights is pleased to now offer its popular R3D 2.0 night sights for Springfield Echelon pistols. Available with a green front dot sight, the R3D 2.0 is an outstanding upgrade for Echelon owners who want to get on target faster and more accurately in any light. This upgrade makes all the difference in high-stress, self-dense situations when every second counts.

“The Springfield Armory Echelon made a strong impression, and many owners are now looking to push its performance even further,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager at XS Sights. “With our enhanced glow dot and refined R3D 2.0 design, shooters will notice faster target acquisition and greater confidence in every shot.”

This second-generation sight features bigger and brighter rear tritium dots than its predecessor. PVC rings surround the rear tritium dots for a more defined edge to improve sight picture and differentiate the front and rear sights. The EasyPress features eliminate the need for filing and hammering and reduce the force needed for installation by up to 50%. Designed with a BlackNitride surface finish, this treatment offers twice the corrosion resistance of traditional black oxide, ensuring superior durability and long-lasting performance.

Retail Price: $137.99

XS sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company also offers a 12-year illumination warranty on all tritium products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

UNITY Tactical Adds New Thermal Riser To Its Line Of FAST Accessories

Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

Designed to Bring Thermal Sights up to the 2.05” Optical Centerline

BROUSSARD, LA. (June 25, 2025) – UNITY™Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, developed the FAST™ Thermal Riser, which elevates thermal sights to a 2.05″ optical centerline from the rail when mounted on a UNITY CTM™ (Combat Thermal Mount). This riser can also raise a thermal sight with an OEM 1.54″ clip-on mount to the same 2.05″ height.

The Thermal Riser, when paired with UNITY’s FAST LPVO or COG Series mounts, aligns the optic with the thermal.

“At UNITY, we create products tailored for specific needs,” said Mike Roth, VP of Business Development. “The FAST Thermal Riser solves a need for discerning professionals and enthusiasts running thermal optics and is a perfect example of our ability to provide them with exactly what they need.”

The compact design occupies only three rail slots on a MIL-STD M1913 rail and features a standard two cross bolt rail clamp. The FAST Thermal Riser is manufactured to the same high standards as all UNITY products, utilizing 7075-T6 aluminum and a Type III hard coat anodized finish.

The Thermal Riser is available in black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and includes a lifetime warranty. It retails for $99 and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on unitytactical.com. The FAST Thermal Riser is on display for the first time at the UNITY Tactical booth #837 at ADS Warrior East in Virigina Beach June 25-26.

TNVC Launches NOCAP: Industry’s First Field-Grade Connector Retention Plate

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation, TNVC Releases New Purpose-Built Helmet Accessory

Loma Linda, CA – June 24, 2025 – As Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary of delivering cutting-edge visual augmentation systems and tactical solutions, we are proud to announce the release of the NOCAP (Night Vision / Optical Connector Accessory Plate), a groundbreaking, patent-pending accessory designed to securely manage and retain external connectors for helmet-mounted devices.

The NOCAP was developed directly from end-user feedback across both military and commercial sectors. Built for operational durability and field utility, NOCAP provides a rigid, dependable mounting interface that protects power and data connectors from damage, debris, and entanglement, while keeping essential components organized and accessible.

“NOCAP represents a simple, elegant solution to a problem faced by many end users in the field,” said Ephraim Rogers, MECOM Manager at TNVC. “Whether for special operations forces or advanced civilian users, this is the first purpose-built accessory of its kind; engineered with practical use and real-world conditions in mind.”

Currently Available in Four Variants:

V1: 90° 4-Pin – Compatible with L3Harris BNVD / GPNVG connector format

V2: 60° 9-Pin FUSED Power & Data – Designed for F-BINO / FPG fused systems

V3: 0° 9-Pin FUSED Power & Data – Compatible with Ops-Core RAILINK interface

V4: Dual Power & Data Split – AN/PVS-31D SBNVG – Tailored for USMC AN/PVS-31D + ECOTI “Y” Cable systems

Additional configurations are already in development for a wide array of Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) and helmet-mounted display technologies. TNVC also offers OEM customization opportunities to meet specialized operational requirements.

For more information about the NOCAP, pricing, and OEM opportunities, visit www.tnvc.com or contact our sales team directly @ 909-796-7000.

TNVC: 20 Years of Bringing Light to Darkness

SIG NEXT 25 – ZULU-DMR Tripod

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

The ZULU-DMR carbon Fiber Tripod Kit was another item that wasn’t the focus of SIG NEXT, but new nonetheless.

The tripod extends to a height of 69″ and includes the following features:

  • 52mm Dual Tension Ball Head
  • ARCA-SWISS Compatible
  • 3 Section Carbon Fiber Legs, with Vented Tubes
  • 3 Position Detent Tabs for Adjusting the Angle of the Tripod Legs
  • Rubber Over Molded Twist Locks
  • Foot spikes are coming

Seen here, it is fitted with the new OSCAR6 HDX PRO Spotting Scope we previewed at Modern Day Marine which uses a digital accelerometer to stabilize the image even while moving. Powered by 2 x AA batteries, it features a 16-32x magnification along with a 60mm objective lens and is 11.5” long and weighs just over 55 oz.

While some items like the ZULU-DMR are currently made in China, SIG has been working to move production to TAA compliant countries or when possible, the US. The tripod is already planned to be moved to a TAA listed country.

SIG NEXT 25 – ZULU6 HDX PRO

Monday, June 23rd, 2025

SIG has been showing the update to their stabilized binoculars at trade shows for several now SIG NEXT was actually the first time I had gotten a chance to try them out in the wild, observing targets on the SIG Academy’s long range shooting range.

Available in 14x, 16x, and 18x 50mm variants, the ZULU6 HDX PRO feature SIG’s OmniScan OIS image stabilization which uses a digital accelerometer to optimize the level of stabilization applied based off your movement and vibration. This makes moving from one item of interest to another much smoother.

Powered by two common AA batteries, expect 40+ hours of constant runtime. System feature a 10-minute auto shutoff feature and IPX-7 waterproof rating.

These are made in Japan and SIG is working on adding a Mil reticle for ranging.

SIG SAUER Announces the ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR System

Saturday, June 21st, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 19, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition announces its latest optic innovation, the ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR System, featuring SIG SAUER’S all-new Automatic Modified Reticle (AMR) technology. 

“Our products are engineered to exceed the demands of elite warfighters around the world and our latest optic innovation does just that,” said Andy York, President, Electro-Optics. “Our elite end-users expect innovative, battle-tested products like our new ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR System. These innovative optics provides shooters the SIG SAUER precision they need in dynamic environments.”

Inspired by SIG SAUER’s original ROMEO8T red dot, the ROMEO8T-AMR™ is a powerhouse optic pushing the technological envelope while reducing overall size and weight by over 30% compared to traditional holographic sights. 

Developed alongside the all-new JULIET3T-AMR™ micro magnifier, the ROMEO8T-AMR leverages SIG SAUER’s revolutionary Automatic Modified Reticle™ technology to instantly transition between user-selectable reticle configurations as the magnifier is engaged or disengaged. The speed and versatility of the patented AMR™ system allows shooters to maintain absolute precision while quickly transitioning between reticle configurations best suited for close-range engagements and mid-range engagements. 

Despite its compact build, the ROMEO8T-AMR boasts a massive 40MM objective lens for unrivaled situational awareness, while the high-performance coatings and lens system deliver remarkable performance under night vision. 

Engineered to exceed the demands of elite warfighters around the world, the ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR system meet MIL-810-STD protocol, are IPX8 waterproof and fogproof, and fully covered by SIG SAUER’s Infinite Guarantee™.

Product Details:

AMR™ – Automatic Modified Reticle (Patented)

Massive 40MM High-Performance and Multi-Coated Lens

30% Smaller than Competitive Holographic Sights

Dedicated NV Override Control

50,000 Hour Runtime On CR123 Utilizing MOTAC™

MIL-810-STD Durability

IPX8 Waterproof and Fogproof Certified

Assembled in Oregon, USA

The ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR system was previewed at SIG NEXT 2025, a one-of-a-kind innovation showcase and immersive product and brand experience that can only come from SIG SAUER, the defense contractor of the future.

The ROMEO8T-AMR and JULIET3T-AMR system is now shipping and available at retailers nationwide. To learn more, visit sigsauer.com.

New Machine Gun Optic Tested by 10th Mountain Division

Friday, June 20th, 2025

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Explosions echoed through the training area as Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) trained with their newly issued XM152 Mounted Machine Gun Optic for the Mark 19 40 mm grenade machine gun.

Designed to enhance situational awareness and survivability, the XM152 MMO allows gunners to neutralize threats more effectively through accurate, controlled fire at various distances.

Before heading to the range, Soldiers received hands-on instruction from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command on the optic’s capabilities and operation.

“This optic is important because we need first-round hit probability,” said Tyler Griffeth, a training instructor with TACOM. “A lot of times with the Mark 19 using the iron sights, the Soldiers are really focused on the iron sight when we really need the big picture, and that’s the battlefield.”

The optic enhances engagement capabilities in two key ways: first, by offering a wide field-of-view holographic reticle for rapid, close-range target acquisition, and second, by incorporating a three-times magnifier to extend the effective range and improve accuracy.

“This now switches it to where the Soldier can be more threat-focused, which will increase their first-round hit probability and their overall lethality,” said Griffeth. “Now that technology like this becomes available to the Soldier, we’re going to get out there and get more lethal.”

After familiarization, Soldiers headed to the range the following day to engage targets using the new optic. TACOM instructors joined them to ensure proficiency and understanding of the equipment.

“I feel like with this new optic, I’m very confident in the Mark 19 system, it was much easier to hit the farther ranges and was able to destroy the target as needed,” Sgt. Trever Linberg, a helicopter repairman with Delta Company, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI). “With this optic, I could qualify much easier, it took a lot less rounds.”

With new knowledge, experience, and confidence, these Soldiers can return to their units as subject matter experts and bring their fellow Soldiers up to speed on the latest equipment, making the 10th Mountain Division even more capable.

“I wish I had something like this back when I was in the service,” Griffeth said. “I wasted a lot of ammo that could have been right on target the first time.”

By SGT Matthew Connor

SSD Note: The MMO capitalizes on COTS optical technologies to provide a rugged, low-cost optic for the mounted Soldier in Combat Support and Combat Service Support formations. It has three variants, one each for the M2/M2A1 (MMO XM155), M240B/H/L (MMO XM156), and the MK19 (MMO XM152).

Sneak Peek – Tigerstripe and & Woodland GWA Micro NODs Vault from OP Tactical

Monday, June 16th, 2025

Very soon, OP Tactical will offer Tigerstripe and Woodland versions of the the popular GWA Micro NODs Vault.

Features:
– Fits in your helmet (most sizes)
– Fits most bino NODs (DTNVS, PVS31, etc)
– Low pro carry handle
– All sides are padded, includes a removable padded top divider
– Removable padded flap to keep items separate and protected
– Interior zip compartment for docs
– Mesh pockets for batteries, lens covers, etc.
– YKK GOV Aquaguard zippers
– 500D Nylon Cordura w/ DWR
– Weather resistant
– Dimensions: 6? x 5? x 4?
– Weight: 6oz
– Made in the USA; Berry Compliant

Check www.optactical.com/product/gwa-micro-nods-vault to see the new colors populate.