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

Taurus TXM 01
Taurus TXM 01

TX Maxed: The Taurus TXM in 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR

Using its TX series architecture yet again, Taurus is adding the 5.7x28 mm and .22 WMR to its chambering options with the new-for-2026 TXM.

Review: Federal's 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Ammunition

Federal’s new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak takes a long-range staple even farther.

New for 2026: Pulsar Thermion 3 Riflescope

Pulsar’s newest thermal scope offers longer range, sharper detail and expanded functionality.

AKs In The USA: The Current State of the American AK Platform

Despite it being the primary rifle of the enemy for most of its existence, American shooters have nonetheless warmed to the AK platform, creating an unlikely love story.

Demand for Guns, Ammo & Firearm Accessories Accelerates

October gun sales increased according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) estimate, but the quarterly reports from major manufacturers reflect purchases significantly higher.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 9, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.