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There has long been a debate regarding whether you should rely on electronic optics when it comes to a defensive firearm. From the standpoint of the average American, in a time of relative peace, replacing batteries and maintaining your electro-optics should be no issue. However, when considering a worst-case scenario, managing the logistics of power sources and the perceived fragility of electronic components becomes more questionable. Many in the preparedness community will advocate for optics without requiring a power supply for that exact reason. But at this point in time, is that thought process outdated?
Battery-Powered Optic Issues
There are a few main issues that battery-powered optics encounter when discussing a long-term emergency scenario. For this part of the discussion, we’ll be focusing on optics that provide no point of aim without a power source, including red dot sights and holographic sights. There are many optic options that rely on batteries for illumination but still provide a point of aim without them, which we will discuss later on. So, when it comes to red dot sights or holographic sights, you need a power source for them to operate. That is the first issue and the most reasonable to be concerned with. If your battery dies or you run out of additional batteries, your sight no longer provides an aiming point, rendering it practically useless. Another issue often brought up is that small electronic components are susceptible to damage. If something pops loose internally, there’s not much you can hope to do to repair it unless you’re already an optical engineer. A less concerning problem but something still worth considering is that optics that rely on a level of battery-powered illumination to operate do, in fact, emit light. It’s generally not an issue, but in certain circumstances, especially with night vision devices, it could give away your position unless you turn off your aiming solution.
Battery-Powered Optic Vindication
Now, let’s address the perceived issues (which are reasonable) with battery-powered optics and talk about how some of them may be blown out of proportion at this point in time. Batteries will eventually die; that’s a given. That being said, if you were to choose a modern red dot sight from a quality manufacturer, the battery life is likely to be measured in YEARS. For example, the Aimpoint CompM5 Red Dot Sight offers a battery life of 50,000 hours or 5 years of continual use with a single AAA battery. Even more budget-friendly red dot sights like the Sig Sauer Romeo5 offer 40,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery. Yes, they will eventually die, but even if you stored 1 extra battery in your pistol grip or backpack, we’re talking about a possible 8-10 years of usage before needing to find another battery somewhere. The one caveat to this is holographic sights. The technology just does not allow for extreme battery life. For example, the Eotech EXPS3-0, which is one of the best holographic sights you can get, only has a 1000-hour battery life on a single CR123 battery. That equates to about 40 days, and in comparison to the 4 or 5 years of its red dot sight competitors, it’s really lacking in that department. It does make up for it in some ways thanks to being very durable, having a huge viewing window, and having the best night vision performance you could ask for. Regardless, if you didn’t have a specific need for those features and you were only able to have one rifle, I would not suggest the Eotech solely based on battery life. I have an Eotech EXPS3-2 on my home defense and night vision-focused rifle, as managing battery life is less of a problem in that role. And it’s an excellent optic. But I do not need to rely solely on it as I have other rifles with different optics, which are more forgiving in the power consumption department.
When it comes to durability, in all honesty, red dot sights have proven themselves to be extremely hardy in the most extreme of environments. In fact, I would venture as far as to say that quality-made red dot sights are going to be more durable than any variable magnified optic out there. Only to be rivaled by fixed power prism sights. The Aimpoint CompM4, designated as the M68CCO by the US Army, has seen over two decades of service in combat zones and has proven itself in the field alongside legendary optics like the Trijicon ACOG TA31. If that’s not enough of a pedigree of durability, then I am not sure what is. Of course, the Aimpoint CompM4 is an expensive option compared to a more budget-friendly Sig Sauer Romeo7, which has a similar design. I will say that if you’re worried about the durability of an electronic optic, I would suggest you go with the more proven, albeit more expensive, manufacturers and models. Aimpoint, Trijicon, Eotech, and some of the newer Sig Sauer models, such as the Romeo4T-Pro, have been selected by the military for their quality and durability. This is one issue where the more money you save on a red dot sight, the more likely durability could be a problem. As for the light emission issue regarding the use of illuminated aiming points, yes, it could give away your location in an extremely dark environment. And, if an undesirable has night vision capability, it’s even more likely for it to be a problem. But this is a very niche and unlikely scenario to find yourself in where this perceived issue becomes an actual problem, resulting in your demise. Anything that emits light has the possibility of being seen in the dark. But it also makes aiming at your target in the dark possible. And if you were to use passive aiming through a night vision device, then a red dot or holographic sight is almost a necessity (yeah, there’s tritium, but we’ll get to that). From my understanding, research, and personal experience, this issue is what many would refer to as a “non-issue.”
Non-Electronic Optic Benefits
So, there are obviously some benefits to using optics that do not require a power source at all. The peace of mind that you experience knowing that you never have to think about pulling up your optic to realize the battery is dead, is worthwhile. Not having to carry spare batteries for that inevitable point in time is also a huge relief. Removing the electronic components can help to provide some enhanced durability as well as weight savings at the same time. It’s easy to see why so many in the preparedness community are vehemently against electronic-dependent optics for their defensive firearms. There is less to think about, less to go wrong, and less problematic in the logistics department. The main types of optics usually focused on in this category include iron sights, fixed power prism sights, and variable power magnified scopes. Iron sights are the bombproof standby that always works and almost (and I do mean almost) never fail. But, in this day and age, iron sights have mostly been relegated to a backup sighting system. The benefits of the threat focus offered by red dot sights, the magnification of prism and variable powered scopes, and advancements in optics technology have made iron sights a secondary option in many ways. Especially since you can get folding, backup iron sights and install them on almost any rifle while also using an optic. They’re always good to have, and you should know how to use them. But for this discussion, we’ll focus on the fixed power prism sights and variable power magnified scopes.
Fixed Power Prism Sights
Fixed Power Prism Sights have been around for a long time and are some of the most durable optics you can find. Some offer illumination through fiber optics and tritium, as well as the use of batteries, which is an additional feature but not a necessary one. That is thanks to the etched reticle design of prism optics, which means you will always have a reticle regardless of illumination. That makes this an extremely attractive option for preparedness purposes. You can get prism sights in a 1x magnification configuration, basically providing you with a red dot sight that you can still use even if the battery is dead. The Primary Arms SLx 1x Micro Prism Sight is an excellent example of this. And, just like a red dot or holographic sight, it can be used in conjunction with a magnifier if you need more range. The Trijicon ACOG series of prism sights is another great example where you can choose from fiber optic, tritium, or battery-powered illumination but are never dependent on it for your reticle to be visible. They are also some of the most durable sights ever designed. They’re offered in different magnification ranges from 1.5x up to 6x, with a wide variety of reticles to suit your needs.
With all of these benefits and without the reliance on a power source, why would anyone choose anything else? Well, there are some limitations on fixed power prism sights and they’re worth being aware of. First off, night vision compatibility is one where battery-powered red dots and holographic sights definitely outclass prism sights. Prism optics are just not optimal for night vision use. They are usually rated for night vision based on their illumination settings, but this is slightly deceiving. First off, if you’re using tritium rather than a battery-powered LED, then you have no control over the level of illumination. Secondly, passively aiming with night vision through a magnified optic is nearly impossible, requires a lot of focus adjustment, and is generally thought of as being pointless. Third, prism optics are usually mounted similarly to a scope in the sense of being low and closer to the bore, which makes getting behind them with NVGs extremely difficult. So, generally, people add a red dot sight on top of their prism sight to accomplish this goal. And, of course, had you just been using a red dot sight to begin with, none of this would be an issue. One of the biggest complaints about prism optics, especially in comparison to red dot or holographic sights, is their eye relief. They generally have very tight, unforgiving eye boxes that can make shooting from obscure positions or even just getting a sight picture difficult. For example, the Trijicon ACOG TA31 has an eye relief of 1.5 inches. Compare that to 4 inches for a Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS NOVA LPVO or even the unlimited eye relief of red dot or holographic sights, and you can see that there is very little room for error with a prism sight.
Variable Power Magnified Scopes
A variable magnification rifle scope clearly offers a lot of benefits, especially in regards to identifying a target positively and extending engagement distances. Not to mention, many of them offer illumination as well for better contrast in darker environments. Most of them are powered by batteries, but there are some scopes that use fiber optic technology, such as the Trijicon AccuPoint TR23. And just like the prism sights discussed previously, variable magnification rifle scopes will always maintain a visible reticle regardless of power source, even without illumination. With the advancement of illuminated LPVO’s (low power variable optics) allowing for a 1x aiming solution while also providing a higher-end magnification range (6x, 8x, or even 10x), it would seem that variable power magnified scopes have all of the versatility without the dependence on a power source. But there are definitely some things to consider. If you wanted illumination but just didn’t want to be forced to depend on the electronic aspect of it, then you need to be aware of the abysmal battery life inherent in variable power magnified scopes. Remember the 50,000-hour (5 years) battery life of the Aimpoint CompM5? Well, variable power magnified scope battery life is so bad that almost no one even advertises what it is. In fact, it took some digging to find a response from Primary Arms in a Reddit post stating that their PLxC 1-8x, top-of-the-line LPVO, has an estimated battery life of 250 hours. And you thought the Eotech battery life was bad? This is a real problem, considering many people look at LPVO’s as offering the same 1x performance as a red dot sight. And although you don’t lose your reticle if the battery dies, a non-illuminated etched reticle is not the same as a red dot sight for 1x performance. And people wonder why I have a Trijicon RMR Type 2 riding on top of my PLxC 1-8x. Regardless of magnification range, if a variable power magnified scope is your choice of optic and you plan to rely on its illumination features, you better stock up on a lot of batteries.
The most obvious difference here is going to greatly demonstrate the attractiveness of running a red dot or holographic sight on your defensive firearms. Weight. No matter what, no matter what planet the materials are sourced from or what genius engineers are behind the design, at this point in time, magnified optics are heavier than red dot sights. There are some that beat holographic sights in the lower magnification prism sight category. But none beat the Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight, which many would consider to be the gold standard. Even with the LRP Mount with 39mm Spacer, we’re talking about 4.6 oz. That’s incredibly light. For example, the Primary Arms SLx 1x Micro Prism weighs 7 oz, the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x weighs 9.6 oz without a mount, and the Eotech Vudu 1-10x weighs 21.3 oz without a mount. And don’t forget the weight of all of those extra batteries you’ll need if you want the illumination.
Are Battery Powered Optics a Bad Choice for Long-Term Emergencies?
Now that I’ve laid out the benefits and challenges of both battery-powered optics and non-electronic optics, are battery-powered optics still a bad choice for preparedness purposes? Or are electronics an additional point of failure that serves no purpose based on the existence of non-electronic dependent options? After spending some time with all of the aforementioned optics configurations and developing my thoughts, I believe I can provide some clarity here.
Every optic choice has compromises regardless of what route you take. And although relying on electronics or batteries not to fail at the worst possible time may make some uncomfortable, the truth is that it’s a risk you can minimize. If fast target acquisition, night vision compatibility, obscure shooting positions, low light shooting environments, and weight savings are all priorities for you, then it’s very difficult to beat a red dot or holographic sight. And don’t forget, weight savings might be the most important thing to consider in general. So, if you decide to go this route, how do you minimize that risk? Here are my suggestions.
If I am going to rely on a battery-dependent optic for an emergency situation that could last a long time, there are some criteria it will need to meet. The battery life should exceed 10,000 hours (1+ years), eliminating holographic sights like the Eotech EXPS3-0 or Vortex AMG UH-1 from the pool. The battery itself should be common and easily sourced. AA, AAA, CR2032, or CR123 batteries would be optimal. Even though the Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is an excellent red dot sight, its use of a 1/3N battery would eliminate it from my list. The optic will need to have some military or law enforcement pedigree regarding performance in the field. This will help to show its capacity for abuse in some of the most extreme environments. Unfortunately, this excludes any budget-friendly red dot sights, such as my favorite budget option, the Primary Arms SLx MD-20. It also needs to have night vision settings to ensure efficiency when used in the role of passive aiming while also providing sufficient light transmission. Lastly, I would prefer to have a universal mounting option (such as the T1/T2 footprint) or, at the least, a good amount of aftermarket mounting options. That way, I can run the optic at the height and in the mount style I prefer rather than being stuck with a preset factory mount. Personally, I enjoy the Unity Tactical FAST Mount with a 2.26” height and a built-in backup iron sight system right inside of the mount. This really narrows down the list of candidates for an electronic-dependent optic I would be comfortable using throughout a long-term emergency situation. But that is a good thing, too, because I can share those options with you in hopes that you’ll see that you can indeed rely on some battery-powered optics. Based on my criteria, here is a list of choices I would be comfortable making:
● Sig Sauer Romeo4T-PRO / Romeo4XT-PRO
Yeah, it’s a short list. And you may think I missed some good options on it as well. However, even some of the big-name manufacturers out there have missed the mark in performance or the preset criteria, eliminating their products from this list. Every option on this list is expensive. But you often get what you pay for, and if we’re talking about protecting our lives with a red dot sight in the long term that relies on batteries to operate, it needs to be good. Really good. If these choices are outside of your budget, then there are some really good budget-friendly options in the prism sight as well as the variable power magnified scope categories where the risks of being electronic dependent are removed.
Now, even after choosing a top-tier, well-made red dot sight from a reputable manufacturer, there are some ways you can even further mitigate the risk of electronic dependence. I would highly suggest setting a battery maintenance schedule. Even though these sights can last for years on end on a single battery, I recommend changing those batteries annually. That way, you know, at the bare minimum, you’re always good for at least another year, no matter what. I also suggest using quality lithium batteries. Personally, I use Energizer lithium batteries in all of my optics, red dot sight or not. They store for up to 20 years, handle extreme temperatures from -40°F to 140°F, and are 33% lighter than alkaline batteries. By maintaining a battery schedule and using high-quality batteries, you greatly reduce the risk of the dreaded dead battery debacle.
Lastly, for a very minimal weight penalty, I recommend equipping backup iron sights in conjunction with your red dot sight so that if all else fails, you still have an aiming solution readily available. Why not?
Conclusion
So, can you safely rely on a battery-powered optic in a long-term emergency scenario? I believe you can, but, in my opinion, that’s highly dependent on your optic choice and commitment to maintaining a battery-changing schedule using high-quality lithium batteries. Optics like the Aimpoint CompM4 M68CCO have proven themselves durable and reliable in combat. Advancements in technology have given us upwards of 5 years of use on a single battery. The popularization of night vision not only complements the use of electronic optics but may also provide a need for passive aiming solutions in a near-peer conflict event. But hey, if you don’t want to have to worry about any of that and just want an optic to work regardless of electronics, there are a ton of great prism sight or variable power magnified scope options out there.
--Magic Prepper
