The new HRO – Heavy Recoil Optic from Crimson Trace
Luke Cuenco 09.12.22
Hunting optics can be quite varied depending on your specific goal. While high magnification optics help you correctly identify targets, and help you make super accurate shots at long distances, they often lack the durability to be sat atop a heavy recoiling firearm. Hog hunters, on the other hand, are mostly in the game for not only close-range work but rapid follow-up shots when hunting hogs. Crimson Trace comes to the rescue with their newest optic release – the HRO or Heavy Recoil Optic specifically designed for heavy-hitting semi-auto firearms chambered in 308 or above.
The new HRO – Heavy Recoil Optic from Crimson Trace
Having seen the optic myself during SHOT Show 2022, the HRO is quite a beefy-looking optic but comes in at just under 9 ounces in weight putting it in the same weight class as the holographic EOTech XPS2. However, the HRO comes with a bunch of neat features that are not found on the EOTech including an 8-hour auto shutoff function, a CT MOTION Sensor that automatically turns the reflex sight back on, and a much lower out-the-door price.
The HRO will come standard with an integrated universal pic rail mount, brightness adjustments on both sides of the optic, and a side access battery tray. Speaking of the batteries, Crimson Trace states that the new HRO has a battery life of up to 50,000 hours on a CR2 battery. While it may not be the flashiest new optic on the market, if the HRO lives up to its name, it should prove to be durable enough to handle the recoil from some of your heaviest hitting rifles including cartridges like 500 Auto Max, 50 Beowulf, 458 SOCOM, and other big bore AR platforms and rifles. I’m personally very interested in putting one atop my dedicated hog gun as that rifle has killed one Trijicon LPVO already and I’m really not looking forward to having another optic shipped off for warranty service again. Do you have a firearm that this optic would be useful on for its more robust design meant for .308 rifles and up?
The HRO™ (Heavy Recoil Optic) is the next generation of quick acquisition tactical reflex sights. Packed with best-in-class features like CT Motion “shake-to-wake” sensor and integrated Pic Rail mount, the HRO™ looks good and performs even better.
HRO Specifications
- Fit: Universal Pic Rail
- Dot Size: 2 MOA – Red
- Runtime: 50,000 Hours
- CT Motion Sensor: Yes
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Construction: Aerospace Aluminum
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Weight: 8.5 oz with battery
The new Crimson Trace HRO – Heavy Recoil Optic is available now directly from the Crimson Trace website for a price of $479.99. For more information or to take advantage of 10% off your next order with Crimson Trace, you can sign up for their “Crimson Club” email list for free.
All photos: Crimson Trace Optics
