A Complete Guide to Picking Tactical and Hunting Optics

Choosing the right optic for your firearm can dramatically improve your accuracy, target acquisition, and overall shooting experience. Whether you're in a tactical situation requiring rapid reflexes or out in the field tracking game at long distances, the right optic is a game-changer. But with so many options on the market—red dots, LPVOs, thermal scopes, magnifiers, and more—how do you know which one is right for you?

In this complete guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about selecting tactical and hunting optics, from basic definitions to feature breakdowns and real-world applications. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of what suits your specific needs and shooting style.

Why Optics Matter

Modern optics are not just accessories—they are essential tools that enhance performance. With the right optic:

• You gain faster target acquisition
  
  

• You shoot more accurately at distance
  
  

• You improve performance in low light
  
  

• You adapt to a wider range of scenarios
  
  

That’s why professional shooters, hunters, and tactical operators all invest in quality optics. But your choice must be driven by purpose.

Define Your Purpose First

Before diving into product specs, ask yourself the following:

• Are you hunting large game at long range?
  
  

• Will you be engaging in close-quarters tactical shooting?
  
  

• Are you shooting primarily in daylight, low light, or total darkness?
  
  

• Do you need rapid target acquisition or high magnification for precision?
  
  

Your optic should match the environment and type of shooting you do most.

Key Types of Tactical and Hunting Optics

Let’s explore the most common categories:

1. Red Dot Sights (RDS)

Best for: Close-quarters combat, fast target acquisition, short to mid-range shooting

Red dots offer a simple, illuminated reticle—usually a dot or circle-dot—that helps you quickly place your shot. These sights are parallax-free and allow for both-eyes-open shooting, ideal for home defense or tactical use.

Pros:

• Extremely fast on target
  
  

• Lightweight and compact
  
  

• Great in low-light situations
  
  

• Long battery life (especially with motion-awake tech)
  
  

Popular Red Dot Features:

• MOA Reticle Size: 2–3 MOA is ideal for balancing speed and precision
  
  

• Always-On or Motion Awake Technology
  
  

• Waterproof and Shockproof Housing
  
  

Example: The Feyachi RDS-22 and RDS-59 are compact red dots with 2–3 MOA dots, motion-awake functionality, and excellent battery life, making them ideal for AR-15 platforms and carbines.

2. LPVOs (Low Power Variable Optics)

Best for: Mid-range engagements, versatile shooting from 1x to 4x, 6x, or even 8x magnification

LPVOs are popular among both hunters and tactical shooters for their dual-role capability. At 1x, they function like a red dot; at higher magnification, they allow for precision shots at longer distances.

Pros:

• Versatile magnification range
  
  

• Illuminated reticles for low-light use
  
  

• Ideal for AR platforms and hunting rifles
  
  

Look for:

• Glass clarity
  
  

• Field of view
  
  

• Durability (shock/water resistance)
  
  

• Reticle design (BDC, MOA, Mil-dot)
  
  

Example: The Feyachi RSC31 1-4x24 SFP Scope offers fast targeting at 1x and solid magnification for medium-range shots, making it excellent for dynamic environments.

3. Magnifiers (3x/4x Flip-to-Side)

Best for: Enhancing red dot sights for flexible shooting distances

A magnifier sits behind your red dot and gives you the ability to zoom in (usually 3x or 4x) without changing optics. With a flip-to-side mount, you can quickly switch between 1x and magnified views.

Pros:

• Lightweight and modular
  
  

• Cost-effective way to extend your red dot’s range
  
  

• No need to re-zero when switching modes
  
  

Ideal for: Tactical shooters and anyone who wants CQB agility + longer-range flexibility

4. Hunting Scopes (Fixed or Variable)

Best for: Long-range precision shooting, large game hunting, daylight use

Traditional hunting scopes typically range from 3-9x, 4-12x, or even higher. They are built for long-range accuracy and often include ballistic reticles, windage/elevation adjustments, and crisp optics.

Pros:

• Precise shot placement
  
  

• Ideal for open terrain
  
  

• Designed for daylight clarity and long distances
  
  

Features to Consider:

• Objective lens size (light transmission)
  
  

• Eye relief
  
  

• Turret adjustability
  
  

• Reticle type (Duplex, BDC, Mil-dot)
  
  

5. Thermal Scopes

Best for: Nighttime hunting, hog/predator control, surveillance

Thermal scopes detect heat signatures rather than relying on visible light, allowing you to spot targets in total darkness or through foliage.

Pros:

• Works in complete darkness
  
  

• Effective for nighttime hunting
  
  

• Detects heat through fog or cover
  
  

Cons:

• More expensive
  
  

• Requires battery management
  
  

Example: The Feyachi TH-35 Thermal Scope with 12μm sensor and 384x288 resolution is perfect for hunters looking to operate effectively in night conditions.

Key Features to Look For

Once you know what type of optic you need, here are the key features to help you narrow down your choice:

1. Reticle Type

• Red Dot / Reflex: Fast, simple dot
  
  

• BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation): Marks for estimated bullet drop at various ranges
  
  

• Mil-Dot / MOA: Precision reticles for advanced shooters
  
  

• Circle-Dot: Combines fast target acquisition with added aiming references
  
  

2. Magnification

• 1x-4x: Short to mid-range
  
  

• 3x-9x: Traditional for general hunting
  
  

• 6x-24x+: Long-range and varmint control
  
  

• Consider first focal plane (FFP) vs. second focal plane (SFP) for reticle scaling
  
  

3. Glass Clarity & Coatings

Good optics use multi-coated lenses for better light transmission and reduced glare. Look for fog-resistant and scratch-resistant coatings.

4. Eye Relief

Particularly important for high-recoil firearms, a generous eye relief ensures safety and comfort.

5. Durability

Always check for:

• Waterproof Rating (IPX4, IPX7)
  
  

• Shockproof Housing
  
  

• Nitrogen-Purged / Fogproof Construction
  
  

6. Battery Life & Power Options

• Some red dots and illuminated scopes run for thousands of hours
  
  

• Look for auto-off or motion-sensing activation
  
  

• USB-C rechargeability is increasingly common and convenient
  
  

Matching Optics to Rifle Platforms

Different firearms call for different optics:

Budget vs. Performance

When it comes to optics, you often get what you pay for—but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Many brands offer feature-rich scopes and sights at affordable prices, especially if you:

• Stick to trusted entry- to mid-level brands (like Feyachi)
  
  

• Identify your essential features and ignore unnecessary extras
  
  

• Choose optics with solid warranties
  
  

Feyachi: Reliable, Affordable, Field-Tested

Feyachi has carved out a name in the optics market by offering tactical-grade products at a consumer-friendly price. Whether you're looking at the Feyachi RDS-22 red dot, RSC31 LPVO, or TH-35 thermal scope, you’re getting durable, practical, and feature-rich gear that’s earned thousands of positive reviews.

Many Feyachi optics come with:

• IPX7 waterproofing
  
  

• Shockproof construction
  
  

• Multi-coated lenses
  
  

• Motion-activated reticles
  
  

• USB-C rechargeable battery systems
  
  

• Picatinny/M-Lok mounting compatibility
  
  

• Excellent warranty and customer support
  
  

Final Thoughts: Your Ideal Optic Starts with You

Optics are not one-size-fits-all. What works for a law enforcement officer may not suit a deer hunter. A close-quarters shooter won’t benefit from 12x magnification. Your perfect optic depends on:

• Your purpose
  
  

• Your firearm
  
  

• Your typical shooting distance
  
  

• Your preferred features
  
  

By understanding the different types of optics, evaluating essential features, and choosing reputable brands like Feyachi, you can make an informed decision—and shoot with confidence in every condition.