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

Belt1 1911 Timer
Belt1 1911 Timer

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

Review: Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm Riflescope

With a 10X magnification range, the Trijicon Credo 1-10x28 mm riflescope is ideal for close-range targets, long-range pursuits and everything in between.

Study Shows Widespread Public Approval for Self-Defense, Recreational Shooting

Research conducted by Responsive Management annually for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS) found that, in 2025, 78 percent of adult residents in the United States believe learning self-defense skills with a firearm is completely acceptable.

18 New Shotguns for 2026

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category.

Derya Arms RAN Series: A New Take on the Lever-Action

Derya Arms' latest entry in the lever-action market, the RAN series of rifles and pistols, seeks to “reimagine” the modern lever gun.

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L

One man, Alex Robinson, took it upon himself to address what he saw as several shortcomings in the AR-15 design. He consulted with special forces operators and asked what they wanted in a rifle platform. The result was the Robinson Armament XCR.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.