5 Best Optics For MK18 Rifles [Updated 2022]

The MK18 is not just the gun to throw poor quality sights on... There are so many ways to configure this rifle, so let us show you the ones that are best different types of application.

Best MK18 Optics 

EOTECH EXPS3-4 - Best Overall

Why Use The EOTech? This operator grade sight that any MK18 owners should consider. It's the go to optic for serious CQB shooters and home defenders within 50 yard distance. 

CQB Holdover - Use the bottom of the 68 MOA ring for fast close range holdover to compensate CQB sight over bore offset.

Shoot With Both Eyes Open - Widen your situational awareness and not miss anything in the corner of your eye

Unobstructed FOV - Easily acquire the target while shooting on the move, shooting over barricade and around corners.

Night Vision Capable - Shoot in the dark with night vision goggles using the NV mode. Not many sights out there have this feature.

Sight in at 36 yard for the tightest 5" shot group (25 - 100 yards)

Fast Ranging BDC Reticle - Range a 5'8" tall human size target inside the 68 MOA reticle to quickly estimate relative target distance. In addition, use a magnifier behind the EXPS3 -4 to Engage up to 600 yards

Raised Height - The sight sits at 1/3rd co-witness height for better cheek position for most shooters and clears over any iron sights.

Read EOTech EXPS3 Review

Features:

• Magnification: 1X
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Reticle Type: 2 MOA Red Dot
• Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
• Length: 3.1 inches
• Weight: 4.7 oz

ELCAN SpecterDR - Used By Spec Ops 

1-4X Instantly -  Skip 2X and 3X that shooters never use anyway. Just flip the magnification between 1X and 4X like a switch.

Compact For Dual Role Missions - It's much more compact two in one scope. 

Built Like A Tank - Raytheon Technology built the ELCAN for the warfighters in the field as tough as their aerospace defense weapon systems to win fights. It survives drop, kick, bump, shear and other physical abuses to retain zero.

Be Sure To Upgrade ELCAN QD Mount

BDC Reticle - Calibrated for the NATO 5.56 up to effective 1000 yards (100 yd zero) with fast ranging scale to estimate target distance without getting off the scope.

Clear Glass & Large FOV - The large FOV at 4X feels like looking at the target on a 50" TV through the scope right in front of the eye.

Features:

• Magnification: 1-4X
• Objective Lens: 32mm
• Eye Relief: 2.75"
• Reticle Type: 5.56 BDC
• Turret : 0.5/ Click
• Length: 6.02 inches
• Weight: 23.2 oz

Vortex Razor HD Gen 3 1-10X - Best LPVO

Why Pick This One?  - The RAZOR HD Gen 3 1-10X is a do-it-all scope for the MK18. While you may have considered a 1-8X scope, the 1-10X bridges the gap between a mid range LPVO and a long range scope

Better Target ID - ID targets far away with much better clarity for better situational awareness and shot placement

Fast 1X Target Acquisition - 3 inward arrows quickly draws the eye quickly to the center reticle like a red dot for CQB actions. 

Moving Target Hold - Get lead accurately on a moving target without any mental guess work 

Range Target Fast - Quickly estimate the target distance as well as holdover and windage corrections simply by superimpose the hashmarked ranging subtension lines on the target.

Lifetime Warranty - You break it, Vortex will replace it at no cost with its lifetime, unconditional warranty. 

Read Detailed Razor 1-10X Review

Features:

• Magnification: 1-10X
• Objective Lens: 24mm
• Focal Plane: First Focal
• Tube Size: 34mm
• Reticle Type: EBR 9
• Turret : 0.25 MOA or 0.1 MIL / click
• Length: 10.1 inches
• Weight: 21.5 oz

Aimpoint Micro - Best Durability

Why Aimpoint is the best - The Aimpoint Micro is the oldest kid on the block. It's the go to red dot optic for serious CQB shooters and people wanting a super low profile, low drag and lightweight MK18, even more so than the EOTECH EXPS3.

Insane battery life - Insane 50,000+ hours (~5 yrs), which means the sight is always on and ready!

Built like a tank - Throw it, kick it, drop it... nothing will throws off the zero. The forged 7075 T6 aluminum housing protects external and internal components against rough handling and shock.

CQB & Mid Range - Turn your MK18 into a CQB & mid range combat machine by adding a red dot magnifier behind it for more magnification & PID capability

There are many aftermarket mounts available, be sure to check out Scalarworks LEAP mount. By far the best skeletonized mount available

Features:

• Magnification: 1X
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Reticle Type: 2 MOA Red Dot
• Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
• Length: 3.1 inches
• Weight: 4.7 oz

Holosun 515GM - Best Aimpoint Micro Alternative

Why Must Try The HS515GM - This is by far the closest mil-spec quality micro red dot to the Aimpoint Micro T2 but at 1/2 the price. 

See Through Flip Covers - Just like the Aimpoint Pro, it protects the optic from dust, and no need to flip up the lens covers before engaging

Motion Activated Reticle - ShakeAwake technology activates the reticle upon sensing any movement, and it turns off to save battery when sitting at rest

Mulit-Reticle - Just like the HS510C, cycle through different reticles for your specific need

Uses Aimpoint Micro Mount - Uses any aftermarket Aimpoint Micro mounts you like with various height options

Common FAQ

Red Dot + Magnifier VS LPVO?

A red dot + magnifier setup is great for rapid close up engagement and targets up to 200 yards. When done shooting long range, just flip the magnifier to the side or removal off the rifleto cut weight.

It's also a great configuration for shooters who generally shoot CQB distanced targets behind covers, barricades and through tight spaces like the 9 hole drill.

LPVO is a great hybrid between a 1X prism and a long range scope, but it takes up lot of space on the top rail. For a CQB designated rifle, a red dot setup is the best.

Check out other M4 carbine optics here