RetailBI released its January Firearm Sales Index showing a -6.2% decline compared to January 2025. Gearfire's RetailBI provides data-driven retail performance metrics using point-of-sale transactions from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, offering manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accurate consumer demand insights.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) announced that the free $95.00 custom Kenton Industries™ turret is now standard with select GPO CENTURI™ riflescopes. The custom turret allows shooters to dial exact yardage or ballistic data tailored to their specific rifle and ammunition at no additional cost.

Warne announces the MaxLite MSR Scope Mount, a lightweight aluminum optic mounting solution designed for modern sporting rifles. Available in 1-inch and 30mm tube sizes at $109.99 MSRP, the mount offers precision construction and proper MSR height for shooters using LPVOs and other modern optics.

Vortex Optics launched the Triumph 2 MOA Red Dot, designed for new and recreational shooters seeking reliable performance across multiple platforms. The optic features 9 daylight and 2 night-vision illumination settings, motion activation with 10-minute auto-shutoff, and multi-height mount options at $99.99 MAP.

Kinetic Development Group announced the updated 3.25" Stribog Rail is back in stock with extended length and enhanced bridge design for improved strength and mounting space. The refined accessory maintains KDG's lightweight construction and durability while offering greater functionality for shooters.

SHIELD Sights, a leading manufacturer of compact pistol optics, will make their inaugural debut at the 2026 NBS Spring Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13, showcasing their red dot sights including the newly released OMSx sight.

Meprolight will showcase new and proven products at the NBS Show in Oklahoma City, October 10-13, at Booth #1924. New offerings include the Mepro CABS backup sights, Mepro CRIS iron sights for pistol optics, and green reticle options for micro pistol optics. The company will also feature battlefield-tested Variable Optic riflescopes and the Mepro MCO PRO carbine optic.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) has been approved as an official vendor partner with MidStates Buying Group, expanding distribution of its American-made firearm accessories including MREX® rail systems and Kinect™ quick-attach solutions. KDG will showcase products at the MidStates Fall Rendezvous in Arizona this August.

Meprolight has partnered with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) as an Official 2026 Partner, providing competition-ready optics including the MVO family of variable scopes to support precision rifle competitors across all skill levels.

For a while now, we’ve been heading down the road of smaller, lighter, more compact gear. And that’s awesome… except for the price tag that frequently comes with some of that gear. This is one reason I often gravitate towards Vortex products. They’re generally affordable and offer great quality. Another thing I like about them is their no-questions-asked warranty and customer service.

But we’re not here to talk about customer service, were here to look at the RECCE Pro 8X32 Monocular. I have several pairs of hi-power binoculars, but sometimes those are just too big and bulky to carry around. That’s why I find myself carrying around a monocular a lot of the time. For a while, my go-to monocular has been the Vortex Solo 10X36, but the RECCE Pro HD has some added features that I really like.

Vortex RECCE Pro HD 8×32 Monocular

The RECCE Pro HD is a multi-use monocular that runs on a premium XD (extra-low dispersion) glass. This provides crisp, high-contrast images at longer distances. It has multi-coated lenses, which increase light transmission, making it more effective even in low-light conditions. I’ve used my Vortex Solo as a comparison, and the difference is noticeable in the evening hours.

While I like compact gear, the Solo can be hard to adjust because it’s so short. The REECE is a little longer overall and has a wide focus adjustment sleeve in the middle of the tube. That makes it much easier to adjust quickly.

A textured rubber coating gives it a better grip than the Solo as well. As you’d expect for a higher end monocular, the O-rings are sealed and argon purged. That helps keep it waterproof and fogproof. Vortex used an Armortek coating on the lens which is protects the lens from scratches.

A flared eyecup helps keep light out when using the RECCE, but you can fold it down for use with glasses. One of the biggest features, however, isn’t the adjustment sleeve or texturing, it’s the reticle used in the RECCE. It has a hash-marked reticle with MRAD subtensions for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections.

Specifications:

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
• Eye Relief: 14.5 mm
• Exit Pupil: 4 mm
• Linear Field of View: 400 feet at 1,000 yards
• Angular Field of View: 7.6 degrees
• Close Focus: 5 feet
• Length: 6.0 inches
• Width: 2 inches
• Weight: 10.5 ounces
• MSRP: $559.99

MRAD Subtensions and Ranging

One of the main uses for the REECE Pro HD for me is rapid range estimation. To range an object, you first need to know the targets’ approximate size in inches or meters. By aligning the hash marks on the reticle with the target, you can calculate distance. This is done by using a formula for either inches or meters. This method does require some math so how efficient someone is can depend on their ability to do math quickly.

My law enforcement background was in small arms and not long-rang shooting. So of course, using this system takes me a bit longer than others. I have a friend that can look through his REECE and tell me how far a target is within seconds.

One thing that is helpful for the long-range calculating challenged people like me, is the “quick ranging” silhouettes in the bottom right of the lens. It may not be as exact as doing the math, but they get you in the ballpark quickly.

I’ve seen people use different methods for calculating distance using MRAD reticles, but here is the formula I have always used.

Ranging a Target

Multiply the targets estimated size in inches by 27.77 and then divide that total by how many mils (hash marks) the object spans in your reticle. For example, if your target is 36-inches tall, it would look like this:

1. Multiply 36 X 27.77 = 999.72 (I’d round to 1,000 for easier math).
2. Check the span in your reticle. In this case, let’s say the target spans 2 hash marks on the reticle.
3. Divide 1000/2 = 500
4. Your target is about 500 yards away.

Of course, this formula is used for yards and not meters. And again, I’m not a long-range shooting guru so if that is not correct, let me know.

Practical Applications

This is a great tool for hunters and even military personnel. But it’s also great for hiking, birdwatching, spying on your weird neighbor, etc. Okay, you shouldn’t spy on your neighbor, even if he is weird.

Another thing to consider is that in some types of emergencies, electronics may fail to work. With all the technology we have available to us today, who needs to calculate distance manually right? But what if your rangefinder stops working and “stuff” really hits the fan. This tool and — the knowledge to use it — could be very beneficial.

What’s in the box?

My RECCE Pro HD comes with a lens cloth, manual, and as I stated above, lens covers. But it also came with a heavy-duty MOLLE pouch…a nice touch and something I will actually use. A lot of gear comes with a thin nylon pouch or case that isn’t really good for much of anything but keeping it safe in the box.

The RECCE also has a heavy-duty metal clip that’s perfect for attaching to it to your belt, vest, or backpack. I put the carrier on my vest, but also like that I can take it on other trips using the metal clip.

Overall, this is a great high-end monocular for the price. I’ll still use my Solo as an emergency monocular in a vehicle or go-bag, but the RECCE will be my primary.

– Jason Mosher, Shooting News Weekly