Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Jeremiah Knupp

posted on July 11, 2026

News, Optics, Gear, New For 2026

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Colt Optics Riflescopes 01 — Images courtesy of Colt Optics.

The 171-year history of Colt’s Manufacturing Company has been a rocky one, with swings from the market dominance of products, like the 1911 or AR-15, to times of instability and financial uncertainty. As of late, the company appears to be on good footing, following its acquisition by the global firearms giant Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) Group. This has resulted in the reintroduction of the company’s iconic products, like the company's “Snake Gun” line of revolvers, and the introduction of new product lines, such as the recent established Colt Electro Optics.

Colt Optics was launched as to offer the option of a complete package that includes firearm and optic.

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm to include accessories like optics, suppressors and ammunition. Colt Optics will eventually offer magnified optics, reflexive sights and laser sighting systems. Their package approach has already proven successful, as Colt Optics has been selected to provide a riflescope for the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) program.

Colt is currently offering three riflescopes in its VMR series.

Colt Optics is initially offering three riflescopes that cover close, mid and long ranges in its VMR series. All three share certain features, such as 34 mm 6061 aluminum tubes that are IPX7-sealed and nitrogen-purged, German SCHOTT optical glass and first focal-plane reticles. The VMR 1-8X is a low-power variable optic (LPVO) with low-profile capped turrets. Its ballistic compensating reticle is available in MRAD and MOA configurations. The illuminated reticle has 11 brightness settings and is powered by a CR2032 battery. Its overall length is 10.9 inches, and it weighs 25.2 ounces with an MSRP of $1,759.

The VMR 1-8X is a close-range LPVO that offers a true non-magnified image on its lowest setting.

The VMR 1-8X is available with a QR-19 MOA reticle or HXT-08 MRAD reticle (pictured).

The VMR 3-18X has a 44 mm objective, push/pull locking elevation turrets with true zero-stop capability, a side-focus parallax adjustment and an illuminated reticle with eight brightness settings. It has an overall length of 11.9 inches, weighs 33.5 ounces and has an MSRP of $1,869.

The VMR 3-18X is mid-range optic that seeks to handle shooting scenarios over a wide range of distances.

The VMR 3-18X uses an HXT-58 MRAD reticle.

The VMR 4.5-27x has a 56 mm objective lens, push/pull locking elevation turrets with true zero-stop capability, a side-focus parallax adjustment and an illuminated reticle with eight brightness settings. It has an overall length of 14.17 inches, weighs 33.7 ounces and has an MSRP of $2,859.