Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

by
posted on May 11, 2026
** 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. **
Eotech Vudu Short 01
Images courtesy of EOTech.

Known primarily for its holographic sights, EoTech jumped into the variable-powered riflescope market in 2017 with its Vudu lineup. The company has continued to add to the Vudu family, including last year’s super short Vudu 3-9x32 mm. New for 2026, the company is introducing another super short, variable-power scope with the Vudu 4-12x36 mm riflescope.

The new Vudu 4-12x is a super short, variable-power optic with a first-focal plane reticle and high magnification.

The biggest difference between the Vudu 3-9X and the new 4-12X is that the latter is a first-focal-plane (FFP) design. This means that the reticle changes in size as the scope is zoomed, resulting in its subtensions being accurate, no matter the magnification. The Vudu 4-12X is about a quarter of an inch longer (7.1 inches overall), one ounce heavier (16.9 ounces), and $100 more expensive (MSRP $1,219) than the 3-9X version.

The Vudu 4-12X has many features of the super short Vudu 3-9X introduced last year and adds a first-focal plane reticle.

Many of the Vudu 4-12X features mirror that of last year’s 3-9X version. These include XC high density, low dispersion multi-coated glass, an adjustable diopter, a power band zoom adjustment ring and capped turrets that cover dials (0.1 MRAD adjustments) that can be zeroed. With no room for conventional rings, the scope has an integrated base that comes supplied with a mount and is also compatible with most mini-ACOG mounts.

The first-focal plane reticle of the Vudu 4-12X is illuminated.
The Vudu 4-12X is available with EOTech’s MR5 (left) or MD5 (right) MRAD reticles.

The Vudu 4-12X is available with either EOTech’s MR5 or MD5 MRAD illuminated reticles that have 10 brightness settings and is powered by a single CR2032 battery. It is also available with a ring mount for fitting a non-magnified micro red dot sight that can be positioned at 12 o’clock or at a 45-degree offset. The scope with the company’s EFLX mounted is available as a package with an MSRP of $1,589. 

A non-magnified optic can be added to the scope with an optional ring mount.
The Vudu 4-12X’s optional ring mount allows a non-magnified optic to be placed at the 12 o’clock position or at a 45-degree offset.

For more information, see the company’s website.

Latest

Icarry Duty Holsters 1
Icarry Duty Holsters 1

I Carry: A Look at Today's Latest Duty Holsters

Duty holsters have their place, particularly in law-enforcement and security circles, and they do provide some benefits to civilian users, too.

Political Report | Oregon’s Hunting, Fishing, and Agricultural Gambit Accelerates the End Game

Gun control activists have become increasingly emboldened. The shift from targeting the margins to challenging the mainstream signals nothing is off-limits. Gun bans are being aimed at the most popular firearms in America. Now, even hunting—which survives in countries that ban defensive gun use—is being targeted.

ACGG Creates Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant

The American Custom Gunmakers Guild Foundation announced the introduction of its new "Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant," which is an expansion on the foundation's mission to support gunsmithing education in the United States.

The Armed Citizen® July 31, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

Lipsey’s has teamed up with Smith & Wesson to revive a pair of short-lived, but highly sought after, Night Guard revolvers. The K-frame options include the Model 386, a seven-shot design chambered in .357 Mag.

Standing Guard | We Need to Stand Tall Together

In the short time I have been in this position—humbled and honored to be serving you and our cause—I have focused on streamlining our programs and services, refocusing our efforts on our competitions and other events, and committing resources to the many legal and legislative fights we are in to defend and, where necessary, to win back our Second Amendment-protected freedom.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.