Optics are an increasingly vital part of more and more firearms, from traditional rifles to MSRs to shotguns and even ultracompact, concealed-carry handguns. With few exceptions, however, nearly every optic is made overseas, and every manufacturer uses at least one or two components of foreign origin. With the supply-chain crises of the post-COVID world, many new designs have faced serious delays prior to introduction. What you see here, however, is either in stock this summer or will be before the end of the year, and the number of innovative and improved new optics remains staggering.
Aimpoint | Duty RDS For those who have desired an Aimpoint dot sight that comes with a mount, a spacer, a battery (that will last for three years), night-vision compatibility and the Swedish manufacturer’s legendary durability, here’s an affordable version that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Magnification: 1X Objective Lens Diameter: 18 mm Reticle: 2-MOA dot Length: 2.7 inches Weight: 3.8 ounces MSRP: $499 (877) 246-7646; aimpoint.com
Ameriglo | Haven Ameriglo’s Haven offers a host of convenient, practical features. It has a 12-hour run time followed by a 12-hour, motion-activated auto-on. At a medium setting, battery life is up to two years. Its Carry-Loc system allows you to select a brightness setting, then disable adjustment so your setting is never accidentally changed.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 28x19 mm Reticle: 3.5- or 5-MOA Dot Length: 1.78 inches Weight: 1 ounce MSRP: $379 (470) 223-4163; ameriglo.com
ATN | X-Sight LTV Digital Day/Night Scope With almost too many features to list, ATN’s X-Sight LTV 3-9X digital scope can do virtually anything demanded of a riflescope and more. The day/night scope features a QHD+ sensor with HD optics, 720p video recording, ultra-low energy consumption, one-shot zeroing, light weight and easy-to-use controls.
Magnification: 3-9X Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: Dot, Fine Duplex, Crosshair with Dot, Post with Dot, Open Crosshair with Dot, Star Burst, Crossbow Length: 12.2 inches Weight: 25.6 ounces MSRP: $599 (305) 900-6841; atncorp.com
Axeon | MDPR2 Further proof that pistol-slide-mounted red-dot sights are still red-hot, Axeon has released its MDPR2 sight as an affordable option in this growing market. With simple two-button operation, 4-MOA dot and eight brightness levels, the MDPR2 uses the DeltaPoint Pro footprint and has a claimed 30,000-hour battery life—all for less than $100.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 28x19 mm Reticle: 4-MOA red dot Length: 1.8 inches Weight: 1.36 ounces MSRP: $99.99 (479) 646-4210; axeonoptics.com
Axeon | Prism 3XRD Looking for a fixed-power prismatic sight? Axeon’s new Prism 3XRD offers both red and green aiming points on an etched reticle to accompany the fixed-power magnification. Flip-up lens covers, tethered turret covers and short sections of Picatinny rail for mounting backup dot sights are all standard equipment.
Magnification: 3X Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm Reticle: Etched ballistic Length: 6.4 inches Weight: 16 ounces MSRP: $129.99 (479) 646-4210; axeonoptics.com
Burris | RT-5 Designed for shooters with personal protection or competitive shooting in mind, Burris’ latest addition to its RT line features a compact, one-piece aluminum body and high-performance, multi-coated lenses for enhanced brightness and clarity. Its ballistic reticle has holdover markings for both windage and elevation.
Magnification: 5X Objective Lens Diameter: 33.8 mm Reticle: Ballistic Length: 4.25 inches Weight: 9.5 ounces MSRP: $539 (888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com
Burris | XTR Pro Featuring new illuminated-reticle designs, the Burris XTR Pro elevates your long-distance-shooting game. It utilizes a 34 mm nitrogen-filled main tube, boasts premium ED glass, improved anti-reflective lens coatings and up to 29 mils of elevation adjustment. A tool-free Zero Click-Stop elevation turret is also present.
Magnification: 5.5-30X Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm Reticle: Horus TREMOR5, SCR 2 MIL, SCR 1/4 MIL Length: 15.4 inches Weight: 33.6 ounces MSRP: $2,639 (888) 440-0244; burrisoptics.com
Bushnell | Elite Tactical DMR3 Updated to be more compact and lighter, the new DMR3 sports ED glass, zero-stop turrets, a two-position magnification throw lever for fast adjustment in the field and enhanced light transmission. A side-focus parallax adjustment and an included sunshade make this scope a great choice for long-range shooting.
Magnification: 3.5-21X Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: G4P or EQL Length: 13.2 inches Weight: 35.5 ounces MSRP: $1,499.99 (800) 423-3537; bushnell.com
Bushnell | Equinox X650 This digital-night-vision monocular sports a built-in infrared illuminator and a detection range of about 650 yards. It is tripod mountable and can record images and video on an SD card. The X650’s housing is durable, and it can run for six hours on the three included AA batteries.
Magnification: 5X digital zoom Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm Reticle: N/A Length: 7.5 inches Weight: 11.6 ounces MSRP: $169.99 (800) 423-3537; bushnell.com
Bushnell | RXC-200 Durable to military standards and sporting automatic brightness adjustment, the RXC-200 is a great option for a handgun-mountable MRDS. It uses the Shield RMSc footprint and boasts 50,000 hours of battery life. Sized perfectly for ultra-compact 9 mm handguns that are all the rage these days, the RXC-200 is a welcome addition to the MRDS market.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 20x15 mm Reticle: 6-MOA red dot Length: 1.6 inches Weight: 22 ounces MSRP: $199.99 (800) 423-3537; bushnell.com
EOTech | EFLX Joining EOTech’s line of holographic sights is the new EFLX reflex sight, intended for use as a pistol-slide-mounted optic, backup sight or shotgun/carbine red-dot sight. With 3- or 6-MOA dots, the EFLX mounts using the DeltaPoint Pro footprint, can be ordered with a Picatinny-rail mount, offers a top-mounted battery and programmable power-management options.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 23.4x16.3 mm Reticle: 3- or 6-MOA red dot Length: 1.9 inches Weight: 1.4 ounces MSRP: $389 (888) 368-4656; eotechinc.com
EOTech | Vudu 1-10x28 FFP Three reticle options add even greater value to the LPVO market in the Vudu 1-10x28 FFP first-focal-plane riflescope. With capped windage and low-profile elevation turrets, the 1-10x28 FFP features an illuminated, etched reticle and a robust 34 mm main tube for excellent light transmission and field-of-vision at all magnification ranges.
Magnification: 1-10X Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm Reticle: SR-4, SR-5, LE-5 Length: 10.63 inches Weight: 21.3 ounces MSRP: $1,799 (888) 368-4656; eotechinc.com
Firefield | RapidStrike 1-6x24 mm Don’t let the price fool you—Firefield’s RapidStrike 1-6x24 mm scope comes with a host of features. A 5-MOA dot, available in green or red, sits at the center of a circle-dot reticle. Pop-up, locking windage and elevation turrets, a removable throw lever and a cantilever mount are all included with the scope.
Magnification: 1-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: 1.34-MOA dot, 9.95-MOA circle Length: 9.8 inches Weight: 14.5 ounces MSRP: $206.99 (817) 790-9862; firefield.com
German Precision Optics | GPOTAC 8xi 1-8x24i FFP The GPOTAC 1-8x24i scope has lockable turrets with .1-mil adjustments and a first-focal-plane reticle. The reticle illumination has an auto-off functionality and the reticle has a horseshoe outline for quick engagements at close distances as well as mil markings for longer-ranged shots. The parallax is set at 100 yards, and the scope has 3.5 inches of eye relief.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: Custom mil-spec horseshoe reticle Length: 10.7 inches Weight: 27 ounces MSRP: $1,999.99 (844) 692-4667; gpo-usa.com
German Precision Optics | SPECTRAdot The new SPECTRAdot has a 3-MOA, red-dot reticle and key features such as six day and five night-brightness settings as well as a high efficiency power-management system that allows for a battery runtime of up to 50,000 hours. The sight comes with a Picatinny rail mount and is adjustable in .5-MOA increments.
Magnification: 1X Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm Reticle: 3-MOA red dot Length: 2.54 inches Weight: 6.63 ounces MSRP: $421 (844) 692-4667; gpo-usa.com
Hawke | Reflex Sight Wide View This rail-mountable dot sight is ultra compact, yet sports a wide viewing window for easy acquisition of both dot and target. It’s CR2032 battery inserts in the side of the housing, so you can change the battery with ease without removing the optic from your firearm—not that you’ll need to very often thanks to its motion-sensing auto-off feature.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 33x23 mm Reticle: Circle Dot Length: 2.3 inches Weight: 3 ounces MSRP: $189 (877) 429-5347; us.hawkeoptics.com
Hawke | Vantage 30 WA This affordable riflescope boasts multiple features normally found on scopes twice its price, like a 30 mm tube, a glass-etched, illuminated reticle and a fast-focus eyepiece. The BDC reticle has etched markings from 100 to 600 yards to help take the guesswork out of shooting either .223 Rem. or .308 Win. loads.
Magnification: 4-12X Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm Reticle: .223/.308 Marksman Length: 13 inches Weight: 19.9 ounces MSRP: $329 (877) 429-5347; us.hawkeoptics.com
Holosun | EPS Carry Designed as a closed-emitter red-dot for today’s concealed-carry, optics-ready handguns, the EPS Carry offers a 2-MOA dot with an ultra-low mounting height, which may allow co-witnessing of existing sights without the addition of suppressor-height sights. Solar panels offer increased battery life, and a version with a green dot is also available.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 14.7x19.6 mm Reticle: 2-MOA red dot Length: 1.62 inches Weight: 1.23 ounces MSRP: $435.28 (909) 594-2888; holosun.com
Holosun | SCS MOS Green Holosun’s SCS MOS dot mounts directly to the MOS cut itself, eliminating one set of screws and plate. A solar panel powers the sight, which has a non-removable battery with an included power-level indicator. Users can cycle between the 2-MOA dot, a 32-MOA circle and the dot/circle combination.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 14.7x19.6 mm Reticle: 2-MOA green dot, 32-MOA green circle Length: 1.93 inches Weight: 1.3 ounces MSRP: $435.28 (909) 594-2888; holosun.com
iRayUSA | Infiray Outdoor RICO Mk1 640 Offering seven reticle option (two scalable, five fixed) stadiametric ranging, four color palettes and five different imaging modes, the Infiray Outdoor RICO Mk1 640 will quickly detect objects of interest in ultra-low visibility at distances beyond 2,000 yards. It incorporates a lithium-ion battery with a 6-hour runtime, and is capable of onboard image/video recording.
Magnification: 3X Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: 7 user-selectable options Length: 9.84 inches Weight: 33.68 ounces MSRP: $7,000 (800) 769-7125; irayusa.com
Leupold | Mark 5HD Leupold’s justly celebrated 5HD riflescope is now available with the uncluttered yet precise PR2 reticle. Available in 5-25x56 mm or 7-35x56 mm, the 5HD PR2 is designed to provide long-range shooters the ultimate in performance while being easy to use.
Magnification: 5-25X, 7-35X Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm Reticle: FFP PR2-MIL and FFP PR2-MOA Length: 15.7 inches Weight: 30 ounces MSRP: $2,099.99 for 5-25X, $2,299.99 for 7-35X (800) 538-7653; leupold.com
Leupold | Patrol 6HD Designed to defend your home or to compete as you hone your skills, the Leupold Patrol 6HD is ready for everything from CQB to longer-range shooting. It features a true 1X magnification to get you on close targets fast. Both available models have 30 mm main tubes, second-focal-plane reticles and .25-MOA adjustments.
Magnification: 1-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex or Illuminated CM-R2 Length: 10.8 inches Weight: 16.2 ounces MSRP: $1,399.99 to $1,499.99 (800) 538-7653; leupold.com
Liemke | Sperber-1 The new Sperber-1 from Liemke is a thermal aiming device with a 35 mm diameter objective lens and 3-12X magnification. The field of view is 13.2 meters at 100 meters. It also has a 384x288 pixel, ceramic VOx detector with 12 µm pixel pitch and a 1280x960 LCOS color display, and a frame rate of 50 Hz.
Magnification: 3-12X Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm Reticle: Multiple options Length: 15 inches Weight: 32 ounces MSRP: $3,999 (210) 377-2527; liemke.com
Lucid | L7 1-6X With a 30 mm main tube, exposed windage and elevation turrets and a throw-lever for quick magnification changes, Lucid Optics’ L7 1-6X is an excellent choice for your modern sporting rifle. Water-, shock- and fogproof, the L7 offers an illuminated aiming point and subtensions for longer-range targets.
Magnification: 1-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: P7 Length: 10.75 inches Weight: 19 ounces MSRP: $659.99 (307) 463-2633; lucidoptics.com
Minox | LR 5-25x56 mm The 5-25x56 LR scope from Minox has a 34 mm diameter tube with a first-focal-plane reticle. The reticle illumination has 11 different settings as well automatic deactivation for longer battery life. The scope is rated to IPX7 for water and dust and is protected against internal fogging.
Magnification: 5-25X Objective Lens Diameter: 56 mm Reticle: Illuminated; MR4, MR5, THLR Length: 17 inches Weight: 35.2 ounces MSRP: $3,500 (210) 377-2527; minox.com
Nightforce | ATACR 1-8x24 mm F1 Nightforce bills the ATACR 1-8x24 mm F1 optic as the “ultimate low-power variable riflescope,” a designation that’s bolstered by a lengthy list of features. The first-focal-plane reticle includes an aiming dot as well as useful subtensions visible at higher magnification, allowing for long-distance shots with minimal hassle.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: FC-DMx Length: 10.1 inches Weight: 21 ounces MSRP: $2,900 (208) 476-9814; nightforceoptics.com
Primary Arms | Compact PLx-1-8x24 mm FFP Lightweight, compact and durable, the first-focal-plane reticle Compact PLx sports Japanese ED glass for superior image quality. It has a magnification throw lever, a 30 mm main tube and motion-sensing illumination for its reticle. The ACSS Raptor reticle includes aiming points for close- and longer-range engagements.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: ACSS Raptor M8 Meter Length: 9.3 inches Weight: 17 ounces MSRP: $1,499.99 (713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com
Primary Arms | SLx 3X MicroPrism Combining the small dimensions and light weight of a compact dot sight with the durability and precision of a 3X-magnified optic, the SLx MicroPrism provides added versatility at short to medium ranges. Its reticle has 13 illumination settings and a motion-sensing, auto-off switch. The included mount can be set to eight different heights for compatability with many firearms.
Magnification: 3X Objective Lens Diameter: 23 mm Reticle: ACSS RAPTOR 5.56 Y Length: 3 inches Weight: 8 ounces MSRP: $319.99 (713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com
Pulsar | Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro With 10 user-selectable reticle options, nine color palettes for heat signatures and magnification up to 16X, Pulsar’s new Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro is an amazingly versatile thermal optic. A built-in laser rangefinder, its own app and the ability to record still photos and videos add to the Thermion’s impressive list of features.
Magnification: 2-16X Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: 10 available Length: 16.5 inches Weight: 34 ounces MSRP: $6,599.99 (817) 761-1771; pulsarnv.com
Riton | 5 Tactix 1-6x24 Thunder Ranch The 5 Tactix 1-6x24 mm Thunder Ranch scope has an illuminated bullet-drop compensator (BDC) and a second-focal-plane reticle designed in conjunction with noted firearms trainer Clint Smith, the founder of Thunder Ranch. The adjustment dials are graduated in .2-mil increments and has a field of view of 111.2 feet at 100 yards.
Magnification: 1-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: Illuminated THR Length: 10.25 inches Weight: 22.2 ounces MSRP: $1,049 (855) 397-4866; ritonoptics.com
Shield | RMSx The RMSx is the new competition-ready red dot optic from Shield Sights. The RMSx has an 80-percent larger viewing window compared with previous models, yet still shares the same footprint. The optic has updated electronics for battery life. It can switch between an 8-MOA or a 4-MOA dot.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 34 mm Reticle: 4- and 8-MOA dot Length: 1.7 inches Weight: .67 ounces MSRP: $450 (801) 372-1629; shieldpsd.com
SIG Sauer | TANGO6T Selected by the U.S. Army for its squad designated-marksman, variable-power optic program, the TANGO6T is now available to the shooting public. It can be configured with a first-focal-plane reticle (seen here) or a second-focal-plane reticle, and multiple reticle options are available. Compact and durable, it promises to be a high-performing scope.
Magnification: 1-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: HELLFIRE M855A1 Length: 10.8 inches Weight: 21 ounces MSRP: $1,588.99 (603) 610-3000; sigsauer.com
Sightmark | Presidio 3-18x50 mm LR2 For those looking for an affordable scope for intermediate-range pursuits, Sightmark’s new Presidio 3-18x50 mm LR2 may be just the thing. Offering low-profile, capped turrets and an aircraft-grade aluminum, single-piece main tube, the Presidio features a first-focal-plane reticle, red aiming point and a power-throw lever.
Magnification: 3-18X Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm Reticle: LR2 Length: 13 inches Weight: 30.8 ounces MSRP: $399.97 (817) 383-1163; sightmark.com
Sightron | S6 1-6x24 mm Designed for the LPVO market, the new S6 1-6x24 mm features both first- and second-focal-plane reticle options. Using MC-777 multicoating technology over Japanese glass, clarity, light transmission, color accuracy and sharpness are maximized. The low-profile, capped turrets are resettable to zero with 140 MOA (SFP)/35 mil (FFP) adjustment ranges.
Magnification: 1-6X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: New IR4A & LRT reticles Length: 10.5 inches Weight: 21.5 ounces MSRP: $1,299.99 (919) 562-3000; sightron.com
SiOnyx | OPSIN Set to be available in summer, 2022, this color-night-vision monocular utilizes the most advanced CMOS chip available to provide clear, full-color images in near-total darkness. It can mount to a helmet and can record video on an SD card. The OPSIN also includes an onboard GPS module to document geolocation should you choose to activate it.
Magnification: 1X Objective Lens Diameter: 15 mm Reticle: N/A Length: 4.7 inches Weight: 10.6 ounces MSRP: $2,595 sionyx.com
Steiner | MPS The Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) boasts a rugged, mil-spec design to bring welcome versatility to your EDC pistol. All-metal construction and enhanced sidewalls fully enclose the LED for improved reliability in harsh conditions, while a recessed window with metal hood safeguards the front lens from potential damage. It also boasts a 13,000-hour battery life on a single CR1632 battery.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 16x21 mm Reticle: 3.3 MOA Length: 2.17 inches Weight: 2.05 ounces MSRP: $575 (888) 550-6255; steiner-optics.com
Steiner | Nighthunter S35 Thermal Chock-full of useful features to help you combat things that go bump in the night, Steiner’s Nighthunter S35 Thermal Riflescope is capable of heat detection beyond 2,000 yards. Features include five ballistic profiles, an easy-zero process, nine reticles, two-power zoom, hot-spot tracking and stadiametric ranging.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm Reticle: Nine; user-selectable Length: 8.5 inches Weight: 36 ounces MSRP: $6,600 (888) 550-6255; steiner-optics.com
Swampfox | Saber If a fixed-power, prismatic scope is what you’re looking for, Swampfox’s Saber offers 5X magnification with a 10-degree field-of-view—that’s 30.9 feet at 100 yards. There are two short sections of Picatinny rail built into the Saber to allow a mini-red-dot sight to be attached for both right- or left-handed shooters.
Magnification: 5X Objective Lens Diameter: 38 mm Reticle: 42-MOA holdover Length: 5.74 inches Weight: 24.7 ounces MSRP: $389 (720) 389-6719; swampfoxoptics.com
Tract | Toric 30 mm 1-8x24 MRAD IR LPVO With a glass-etched reticle and Schott HT lenses, the latest offering from Tract might be the best value for those seeking superior performance in an LPVO. Its light weight and short length add little bulk to an MSR platform, while its illuminated, second-focal-plane MRAD reticle provides range-estimation marks that can also be used for bullet-drop compensation.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: MRAD, illuminated center dot Length: 11 inches Weight: 20.3 ounces MSRP: $1,194 (631) 662-7354; tractoptics.com
Trijicon | VCOG 1-8x28 SCO Want a tough, reliable scope that gets the job done? Choose the same optic the Marines rely upon. The VCOG 1-8x28 SCO is functionally identical to the one issued to Leathernecks, except for minor, cosmetic changes. With a true 1X magnification offered, this scope is effective for everything from close-quarters battle to use at extended ranges.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm Reticle: Segment circle/crosshair with wind holds Length: 10.93 inches Weight: 32 ounces MSRP: $3,150 (248) 960-7700; trijicon.com
TruGlo | Red Dot Micro XR21 Red Box Ready to mount on any pistol accommodating an RMSc footprint, TruGlo’s Red Dot Micro XR21 uses a 3-MOA dot for precision and incorporates push-button brightness controls with 10 settings. It also has a motion-sensing “awake” feature, auto-off and a 20,000+ hour battery life.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 21x16 mm Reticle: 3-MOA Dot Length: 1.6 inches Weight: .8 ounces MSRP: $237 (888) 887-8456; truglo.com
U.S. Optics | TS-8X From its 30 mm main tube, 24 mm objective to its 1-8X magnification range and capped zeroing/elevation knobs, U.S. Optics TS-8X has the makings for quite a versatile short-range, variable-power optic. With a choice of three illuminated reticle options, each in the first focal plane, and with a price less than $800, this is one riflescope that deserves a second look.
Magnification: 1-8X Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm Reticle: JNG MIL, RBR Length: 10.5 inches Weight: 17.9 ounces MSRP: $795 (828) 874-2242; usoptics.com
Viridian | GDO25 Viridian’s GDO25 optic has a 2-MOA green dot and mounts to a standard Picatinny Rail. The sight will co-witness with backup iron sights with the supplied high mount and has 10 brightness settings. It also features more than 30,000 hours of battery life .
Magnification: 1X Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm Reticle: 2-MOA green dot Length: 2.7 inches Weight: 6.7 ounces MSRP: $289 (763) 479 4091; viridianweapontech.com
Viridian | RFX15 The RFX15 has a green 3-MOA aiming dot and fits most pistols with a Shield-standard footprint. There are eight regular and two night-vision brightness settings as well as instant-on and auto-shutoff to provide more than 30,000 hours of battery life. The RFX15 is one of the lightest optics in its class.
Magnification: 1X Viewing Window Dimensions: 17x24 mm Reticle: 3-MOA green dot Length: 1.6 inches Weight: .65 ounce MSRP: $289 (763) 479 4091; viridianweapontech.com
When it comes to choosing a defensive pistol, a few moments spent in research can make a world of difference.
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The 9 mm vs. .45 ACP argument has been going on for more than a century. Many believed the two World Wars answered this question after Americans used their .45s to beat the Germans and their 9 mms— twice. But in 1967, the Illinois State Police adopted the Smith & Wesson Model 39 pistol in 9 mm, and in 1985 the U.S. Military transitioned from their war-winner to the Beretta M9.