MarketTime, a leading B2B commerce platform serving over 400 sales agencies and 11,000 manufacturer brands, is hiring a Business Development Representative to drive expansion into new vertical markets. The role involves market research, lead generation, and collaboration with growth and sales teams.

SHIELD Sights launched the OMSx Micro Red Dot Sight, combining the translucent roof design of the OMSsc with the wide viewing window of the RMSx for enhanced brightness and faster target acquisition. The optic features aerospace-grade aluminum construction, automatic brightness adjustment, and will debut at SHOT Show 2026 with an MSRP of $489.99.

Trijicon unveiled the AccuPoint 1-8x24 riflescope, engineered for dangerous-game hunters with a Hunter Holds MOA reticle enabling confident shot placement from close encounters to extended ranges. The scope features battery-free tritium and fiber-optic illumination, premium optical clarity, and military-grade durability tested from -20°F to 140°F.

ATN launches its 6th Generation thermal optics platform featuring advanced 12 μm VOx sensors with ≤15 mK NETD sensitivity, AI-enhanced SharpIR® imaging, and five flagship products including ThOR 6 Elite riflescopes, Odin 6 MFT, and Binox 6 binoculars. The lineup ships in Q1 2026 with preorders available through authorized dealers and ATNCorp.com.

Holosun introduces the ARO-EVO DUAL, a hybrid aiming system combining an open reflex sight with integrated visible and infrared lasers for carbines and compact rifles. The compact optic features a 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA circle-dot reticle, Shake Awake technology, and operates across daylight, low-light, and night-vision environments on a single CR123A battery.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) launched the GPO Carbon Fiber Tripod, an ultra-lightweight tripod weighing 2.62 lbs. with a 33 lb. load capacity. The aerospace-grade carbon composite tripod folds to 13.8 inches and extends to 59.8 inches, featuring a convertible monopod leg and integrated ball head for precision shooting and backpacking at $199.99 MSRP.

NSSF invites SHOT Show attendees to register for the 3rd Annual Attorneys General Forum featuring state attorneys general including Tim Griffin, James Uthmeier, Brenna Bird, Kris Kobach, Liz Murrill, Catherine Hanaway, Austin Knudsen, and J.B. McCuskey discussing Second Amendment legal battles and courtroom defense strategies.

Meprolight debuts green reticle options for the MPO Pro-F and MPO Pro-S closed emitter pistol optics at SHOT Show. The new variants offer shooters a choice between red or green reticles, with green reticles appearing sharper for those with astigmatism. Both models feature automatic brightness control, 20,000+ hours of battery operation, and compatibility with RMR or RMSc footprints.

NSSF announced that South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden will join six fellow governors at the 5th Annual Governors' Forum at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas. The forum, moderated by Shermichael Singleton, will feature governors discussing the firearm industry's importance, Second Amendment rights, and legislative challenges on January 21, 2026.

NSSF will present its first suicide prevention general session at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas on January 22, featuring Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and a panel including NSSF President Joe Bartozzi, Dr. Emmy Betz, Dr. Chris Barsotti, and Michael Sodini discussing how the firearm community can help reduce suicide deaths.

SHIELD Sights, a leading manufacturer of compact pistol optics based in Crewkerne, England, will exhibit at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas from January 20–23. The company will showcase a new product within its OMS optic line at booth #11056, with CEO James White emphasizing the importance of connecting with U.S. partners and customers.

Meprolight will showcase new products at SHOT Show Booth #20039, including the Mepro CABS backup sights, Mepro CRIS iron sights, green reticle options for pistol optics, MVO variable riflescopes, Mepro M22 PRO, and Mepro MCO PRO. The company will also feature iconic products like the Mepro M21 and Mepro Tru-Dot self-illuminating sights.

Holosun will showcase its latest red dots, reflex optics, magnifiers, and laser solutions at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 20–23. Visitors can experience new product innovations at booth #13420, with Holosun's expert team providing technical guidance for tactical, competitive, and recreational shooting applications.

Back in August, I introduced and discussed Vortex’s new affordable Crossfire riflescope and the new line. Now, after a few months of using the 3-9×40, including spending a few days afield during gun season in Ohio, here are some takewaways. First, a few basics and reminders about the new Crossfire HD line.

The Crossfire HD’s predecessor, the Crossfire II, has been a staple on many hunters’ rifles for a decade. The budget-friendly line from Vortex offered great value and a wide range of options. During my 13 years working behind the counter, I’ve mounted hundreds of them on everything from ARs to bolt guns, .22s, and even a .50 BMG (yes, that really happened).

However, ten years in the optics world is a long time. Technology keeps advancing, so companies must regularly update and refresh their product lines—that’s where the new Crossfire HD comes in.

Crossfire HD SPECS

The specs on the second focal plane 3-9×40 model are exactly what you’d expect from a budget hunting optic. Some features include an HD optical system, anti-glare coatings, and a fast-focus eyepiece. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The rest of the specs are as follows:

• Magnification: 3-9
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm
• Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating)
• Focal Plane: Second
• Eye Relief: 3.8” (at 9x)
• Field of View: 37.2’ at 3x, 12.4’ at 9x (100 yards)
• Tube Diameter: 1”
• Turret Adjustment: ¼ MOA (minute of angle)
• Parallax Setting: 100 Yards
• Length: 12.5”
• Weight: 16.2 ounces

Build 

As an Ohio hunter, there’s no better test for an optic than how it performs on a 450 Bushmaster. For those unfamiliar, Ohio—like many other Midwestern states—imposes cartridge restrictions for deer hunting. In this case, cartridges must have a straight wall and larger than .355 inches in diameter—hence the popularity of 450 Bushmaster. And for those who have never shot one, let’s just say, it’s a bunch at both ends.

For this season, I used a 450 Bushmaster upper from Bear Creek Arsenal. This is a side-charging model with a 16-inch barrel. I paired it with an Aero Precision lower that I built using extra parts. Overall, it turned out to be a nice package.

This was my first experience with Bear Creek Arsenal, so I had modest expectations (spoiler: it shot great and for around $200, it’s an excellent value). In keeping with my budget-minded approach, I mounted the Crossfire HD on a Warne Vapor MSR mount. Overall, it made for a pretty awesome deer rifle for a reasonable price.

At the Range

Once assembled and the optic was mounted, I headed out to the range. There, I started with a basic sight-in at 50 yards, which only took a couple of shots. The recoil was very manageable—obviously stouter than something like 5.56 or 6.5 Creedmoor—it’s more akin to a 20 gauge slug.

I then moved out to 100 yards, completed the sight-in and tested various loads from Hornady and Steinel. After firing around 50 rounds (my shoulder can only take so much), the Vortex held its zero, and all adjustments stayed consistent. It was really cold—like freezing—when I was sighting in and I had no fogging issues at all.

In the Field

It was equally cold, if not colder, during my days in the field during gun week. While I didn’t have any luck harvesting a deer, I was pleasantly surprised with the Crossfire’s performance.

I was in an elevated blind that week and used the scope rather than binoculars to scan and observe. In this effort, I thought the optic was perfectly capable. Again, distances were no more than a few hundred yards in any direction. This is Ohio, remember. So in that limited setting, the Crossfire HD did the job well.

For under $200, the Vortex Crossfire HD 3-9×40 is a perfectly capable optic when used within its means. Would I take this on a Rocky Mountain elk or a sheep hunt? No. Would I use it in a PRS match? Absolutely not. But that’s what this optic is designed for.

The Crossfire HD 3-9×40 optic is made for rugged use by blue collar hunters who might toss it in the back of a truck or side-by-side or drop it from a tree stand. It will still function reliably. I think Vortex particularly excels in durability with this model. It’s aimed at deer hunters and those who want performance without breaking the bank.

Again, this isn’t a perfect optic, but rather one designed for a specific price range and use case. One downside is that I’m not a fan of BDC reticles, and the Dead-Hold BDC does nothing to change that opinion. I’d prefer a simple duplex reticle or an option with more precise holdover markings, such as ½- and full-MOA graduations.

Zooming Out

After months of use both at the range and in the field, the Vortex Crossfire HD 3-9×40 proved to be exactly what it’s meant to be: a durable, no-nonsense hunting optic that delivers solid performance for the money. It held zero on a hard-recoiling 450 Bushmaster, handled cold weather well, and provided clear glass for realistic Midwestern hunting distances.

While it’s not designed for extreme hunts or competitive shooting (and the BDC reticle may not be everyone’s favorite) it stays in its lane and does its job well. For blue-collar deer hunters seeking reliability, simplicity, and value under $200, the Crossfire HD makes a strong case.

-- Cory Ross, Shooting News Weekly