Category: Blog

For any outdoor enthusiast, public safety professional, military member, or emergency responder, a knife is a must-have. We want to show case are favorite knifes we like – there is a wide assortment of knives, knife accessories, knife sharpeners, equipment and more so that you may maintain a tactical advantage wherever you are.

Various Types of AR 15 Optics

I want to break down the various different types of sights you can get for an AR-15. As mentioned above some of the various types of AR-15 optics we recommend are:

• Reflex Sights (Red Dot Sights)
• Holographic Sights

Reflex / Red-Dot Sights Breakdown

So what is a reflex sight or red dot sight? First of all, it should be noted that red dot sights do not employ a laser. What this means is that there is no significant amount of light that is emitted forward of the shooter.

Most red dot sights fall into this category due to the fact that they consist of an objective lens with a partial mirror coating which is used to project the reticle from a point behind the objective lens which is then reflected off the back of the objective lends toward the shooter’s eye.

Also, some AR red dot sights make use of the ambient light which is gathered by a fiber-optic system, while others are supplemented by a tritium beta lamp unit for use in low light conditions.

So what it comes down to is the red dot sight requires a wider bandwidth of light in order to project the reticle onto the objective lens. This alters the color of light passing through the lens coating but more than those that employ an LED to generate the reticle (known as illuminated scopes).

Red dot sights are generally available in a couple of different styles:

1. Heads Up style – incorporates only one lens mounted in a bezel with the source of the reticle contained in a small box positioned behind and below the lens resulting in different appearances from the tube-type reflex sights. The heads-up style sight can usually be mounted lower on the firearm than tube-type reflex sights.
2. Tube-Body style – This style of red dot sight incorporates a tube with a lens positioned at each end so it looks like a normal rifle scope.

Many shooters prefer the heads-up style red dot sights for AR because they are more compact and lightweight than the tube-body style. Heads up red dot sights also usually have a wider field of view than tube-body red dot scopes.

Another benefit to red dot sights for your AR is that they offer extremely fast target acquisition and are very practical for hunting and target shooting. The reason why is because they allow the shooter to maintain a field of view (FOV).

Note: You won’t be able to shoot as accurately as you would be able to with a high-power magnification AR rifle scope, but you will be able to shoot much faster, so it’s a give and take.

Best Red Dot Sights for AR 15

Scope	Model	Specs	$	Rating
	Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope	1 x 25 mm	$
	Trijicon MRO 2.0	1 x 25 mm	$$$
	Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2	1 x 30 mm	$$

Holographic Sights Breakdown

The only manufacturer with a holographic weapon sight (HWS) is a company called Electric-Optic Technologies or EOTech. They sometimes are marketed under the Bushnell brand as well.

Holographic sights have a reticle that is superimposed on the target using a laser that illuminates a hologram that is contained within the objective lens (not projected onto it).

Due to this, there is no need for a reflective coating on the objective lens. Instead, a photograph of the reticle is taken which is then sandwiched between two layers of optical glass and illuminated by a laser mounted behind the objective lens.

Then the picture is projected forward away from the shooter which creates a reticle image that is meant to appear at a virtual 50 yards in front of the shooter.

All holographic sights use the heads-up style which many shooters prefer anyways due to is compact size and lightweight.

In addition, because the reticle is a virtual hologram, it can be any size or shape. ​EOTech has incorporated a 1 MOA dot (smallest in the industry) combined with a 68 MOA circle which not only provides extremely quick target acquisition, but it also provides greater precision at longer ranges than the 2 MOA or 4 MOA dotes used on reflex sights.

What this means is at 200 yards the 1 MOA dot only occludes 2 inches of the target whereas, the 2 MOA and 4 MOA dots occlude 4 to 8 inches of the target respectively.

When holographic sights are combined with a special 3x magnifier, only the target is enlarged while the dot remains the same size. But when a magnifier is added to a reflex sight, both the target and the dot are enlarged.​

Scope	Model	Specs	$	Rating
	EOTech 512	Holographic	$$$
	EOTech HHS 2	Holographic	$$$$

Best AR 15 Scopes Reviews 2018

Have you ever wanted a night vision scope?

Most do … but how can you find a high-quality one on the market for the money?

It’s pretty difficult, but we’ve tested and reviewed several different night vision scopes and narrowed it down to what we think are truly the best night optics.

Top 4 Best Night Vision Scopes

1. Armasight Vampire 3x42mm
2. Sightmark Photon 4-6x42mm
3. Yukon NVRS Titanium 1.5x42mm
4. ATN X-Sight-4k Pro Edition

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing a lot of different optics to use at night taking a lot of things into consideration such as cost, quality, clarity, glass, brand, etc.

See below the exact models and their prices and rating out of 5 stars.

Quick Navigation

Best Night Vision Scopes in 2017

Night Vision Scopes Quick Overview

Night vision rifle scopes, often called starlight scopes, were originally designed for tactical military use only in the 1930’s however technology has improved greatly which means that these rifle scopes are now generally available to the general public for shooting and hunting.

Night vision scopes have evolved over the years and they now fit into different “generations” which can be confusing when choosing your night vision scope however I hope this guide clears things up for you.

We’ve taken the opportunity to provide you with information about night vision scopes and update you on the best night vision optics in 2017!

You will find substantially different prices whether you are looking at Gen I, Gen II, and Gen III.

For example, a top-of-the-line Gen III with IR and all the bells and whistles can cost you $10,000!

However, you can purchase a good Gen I night vision rifle scope for less than $400 which will allow making 100 yards kill shots in the dark.

This has to do with simple economics and economies of scale however the advancement in technology has brought the price down substantially.

Probably the first thing that you will notice about night vision scopes are that they tend to be much more expensive than your traditional hunting rifle scope!

A lot of guys mount night vision scopes on their AR 15 or other tactical rifles for varmint hunting, especially when hunting those pesky hogs.

Another popular use for night vision scopes are for crossbow hunting. Night vision won’t scare predators like a traditional LED flashlight.

Others mount their night vision scopes on larger caliber rifles such as the .308 Winchester or 30-06 Springfield depending on the quality of the scopes.

Some of the cheaper Gen I night vision scopes I would suggest wouldn’t hold up to the recoil on those firearms and would be more suitable for a .223.

Note that you will want to check the regulations in the country that you live in. I know that in Germany you are not allowed to mount a night vision scope on a rifle.

Currently, in most states in the US, there are no such regulations however regulations are subject to change so be careful! I have heard that California state laws are more strict than most states.

Considerations for Night Vision Scopes

You need to first decide what the purpose of your night vision scope will be at the beginning when researching and reviewing starlight scopes and be honest with yourself.

If you want a good night vision scope for varmint hunting or target shooting with you AR 15 and don’t expect to make shots over 100 yards, then a Gen 1 might be sufficient.

If you want to reach out for longer shots with your .308, you might have to look into Gen 2 or Gen 3 night vision scopes, however, the money that you will have to dish out will be a heck of a lot more.

Now I know I have already touched on the price of night vision scopes, however, if your budget is the main concern and you are limited to what you can spend, then that should be your starting point.

If you can only spend $500, then you are most likely limited to a Gen 1 night vision scope if you are purchasing it new.

Ask around, some of the guys you shoot with may be willing to sell you a used night vision scope for half the cost. If your budget is under $5000, then you can expect to get a really good gen 3-night vision scope that will be more versatile than a gen 1 or gen 2.

Gen 1 Night Vision Scopes

Generation 1 night vision was basically the first technology that was developed for shooting in dark conditions.

It was developed from Gen 0 technology however for the purpose of explaining the different generations, I am going to start at Gen 1. These night vision rifle scopes rely on ambient light as opposed to infrared (IR) light sources. These scopes produce a light amplification of around 1000x however they rely on moonlight to function.

Gen 1 rifle scopes tend to be bulkier as compared to Gen 2 or Gen 3. The upside, they will definitely be cheaper than further generation night vision scopes.

Gen 2 Night Vision Scopes

Generation 2 night vision hunting scopes are a step up from the technology that was developed in Gen 1.

These devices feature an improved image intensifier resulting in a much brighter image along with improved image quality and reliability.

Light amplification is around 20,000x. Gen 2 went further with Gen 2+ technology which feature better optics and improved resolution.

Gen 3 Night Vision Scopes

Generation 3 night vision maintains some of the same technology as Gen 2 such as the micro-channel plate (MCP) but now uses a photocathode which helps to further improve image resolution and light amplification improves to 30,000x to 50,000x.

Gen III went further and developed into Gen 3+ for Gen III Omni IV-VII. Consumer classification calls the Gen III+ the Gen 4.

Best Night Vision Scopes Reviewed

Sightmark Photon XT 4.6x42S Digital Night Vision Riflescope Reviewed

The Sightmark Photon XT is one of the best digital night vision scopes for the money. It is designed for medium-range shots (under 150 yards) and is extremely versatile. Sightmark states that it is 33% more efficient with battery usage and also 30% lighter compared to other digital night vision scopes. This scope offers Gen III quality optics and clarity for less than most Gen I riflescopes with its infrared technology. It comes with 6 different reticles, 3 different reticle colors, contrast adjustment, and an infrared adjustment.

If you haven’t used a night vision scope before you will notice that they are bulky. If you are using the Sightmark Photon 4.6x42mm on a heavy rifle you will definitely notice the added size and weight of this scope. You will probably want to buy a set of quality 30mm scope rings unless you have a spare set around. I would suggest that you purchase a set of detachable scope rings so that you can use your rifle with multiple scopes. It uses AA batteries – think about using a good set of rechargeable batteries.

This night vision rifle scope consistently outranks others and is one of the best night vision scopes for under $500.

Specifications:

Magnification: 4.6x
Objective Lens: 42mm

Yukon NVRS Titanium 1.5×42 Night Vision Rifle Scope Reviewed

The NVRS Mini Varmint Hunter 1.5x42mm uses enhanced multi-coated optics, a durable titanium body, and has a sleek ergonomic design that provides additional comfort during shooting. It has a built-in powerful Pulse infrared illuminator which can easily be activated to enhance the brightness and increase range in total darkness.

Yukon’s NVRS 1.5x42mm uses Gen 1 technology so don’t expect to be able to see too far out past 100 yards or so. With that in mind, this scope was built for hunting varmint so 100 yards is typically plenty. This night vision rifle scopes will work well on your varmint rifle such as a 17 HMR and also can fit on a crossbow. It can also be used in the day which provides added versatility.

Specifications:

Magnification: 1.5x
Objective Lens: 42mm

Armasight Zeus 160 4-8×42 Night Vision Scope Reviewed

The Armasight Zeus 4-8x42mm is a tactical night vision scope used by law enforcement and the military because it can be used in daylight or darkness, and cuts through dust, smoke, and other obstacles that may be in your way. This high-performance thermal imaging camera has a multiple hunting scenarios function which it makes it the perfect varmint hunting scope for night conditions.

If you are serious about shooting in darkness and have the budget, then the Armasight Zeus 4-8x42mm may be a good fit for the price. If you are just looking for a good night vision scope and price is important, then this scope is probably overkill. It uses thermal technology as opposed to standard night vision which makes it undetectable.

Specifications:

Magnification: 4-8x
Objective Lens: 42mm

Armasight Vampire 3X Night Vision Rifle Scope Reviewed

The Armsight Vampire 3x Night Vision rifle scope uses Gen 1 technology however has made some adjustments to it so it operates with similar features to Gen 2 and Gen 3. It is built with their CORE (Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine) technology which basically functions to double the clarity and brightness of the Gen I technology. I would say that this scope lies somewhere between gen 1 and gen 2 and is a good scope for under $1000 if you are looking for a high-quality night vision scope.

With this rifle scope, you should be able to reach out to 200 yards, depending on how well your rifle is sighted in and the dark conditions. It basically will allow you to shoot double the length of other gen 1 night vision scopes.

Specifications:

Magnification: 3x
Objective Lens: 42mm

Final Thoughts – Best Night Vision Scopes

There is no doubt about it – for a quality night vision scope you will have to spend more money as compared to a traditional rimfire rifle scope.

There is so much more technology built into it that allows you to see in complete darkness. These riflescopes were built for tactical applications such as law force and for the military and are only recently being offered at the general consumer price range.

The best night vision scope for the money is the Armsight Vampire 3x night vision because it uses a hybrid of gen 2 and gen 3 technology however still considered gen 1.

If you are looking for a good night vision scope for varmint hunting or for your crossbow, get the Armasight Vampire. With a solid warranty, you won’t be disappointed.

In order for the .308 rifle to get near-perfect results, there’s a rifle accessory that you just can’t do without:

The correct and best .308 rifle scope… especially if shooting long range.

Unfortunately, finding that ‘best’ scope for a .308 isn’t easy to do.

That is why I have created this list for you to find the Best Scope for a .308 Hunting Rifle.

Top 4 Best .308 Scopes

Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x42mm
Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm
Vortex Crossfire II AO 6-18-44mm

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing a lot of different optics for a .308 carbine and have been able to narrow down the list to the top 4 best 308 scopes which you can buy right now. Seen here and can be purchased on Amazon:
UUQ Tactical 4X32 Compact .223 .308 Scope Rangefinder Reticle/w Ring Mounts

Best Rifle Scopes for .308 in 2018 – Top 4

These scopes may not be for everyone as some of them carry a higher price tag.

With that said, these rifle scopes are good enough to make our list of the Top 4 best rifle scopes for a .308 to buy in 2018, and for good reason. Below are my .308 scope recommendations

Vortex Optics Diamondback HP – Best .308 Rifle Scope

The Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16×44 .

The Vortex Diamondback High Performance offers clear glass throughout the magnification range in front of its durable and rugged design.

The scope has the side parallax adjustment which is a bonus at the price range.

It comes with a healthy 4” eye relief which is very comfortable and relatively easy to sight in.

Vortex is known for building quality scopes at various price ranges and this is no exception. This is really the best vortex scope for a 308.

Another bonus with buying a Vortex optic is that it comes with one of the best warranties included.

• Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
• Fully Transferable
• No warranty card to fill out
• No receipt needed to hang on to

While reviewing this scope I looked to see if it would let me shoot at a long distance and would not break the bank so I mounted this scope on my .308, went out to the range to test the scope there, and then headed out on a 4-day hunting excursion in the backcountry with a buddy.

Happy to report that between all the rounds I put through it at the range beforehand and during the hunt, it held perfectly zero. I also noticed that the scope never fogged up at all, which has been the case for me sometimes with other more expensive brands.

I shot about 60 rounds at the range and was really happy as it was very clear and lets in a lot of light, something that I always look for in my scopes. even in the shade it did a great job.

I also really liked the side AO and zooming from 4 to 16 was very very smooth. See the best prices on Amazon

Disclaimer: We are using Amazon affiliate Product Advertising API to fetch products from amazon, include: price, content, image, logo, brand, the feature of products that are trademarks of Amazon.com. So, when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more.

Top 10 Best Products

Below is a list of top 10 best Field Strip M&P Shield Reviews.

BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Smith & Wesson M&P 9/40 Shield – SUBCOMPACT ONLY
$16.99  in stock
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Recover Tactical SHR9 Compatible with The Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm and SW40 Picatinny Rail– Easy Installation, No Modifications Required to Your Firearm, no Need for a Gunsmith
$29.95  in stock
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Free shipping

CYA Supply Co. Fits S&W M&P 9/40 Shield M2.0 Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry IWB Veteran Owned Company (Black, 053- S&W M&P 9/40 Shield M2.0)
$$39.74 in stock
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Free shipping

Crimson Trace Tactical Weapon Mount Flashlight for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield and M&P Shield 2.0, 100 Lumen LED White Light Tactical LTG-770 Lightguard
$64.49  in stock
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Free shipping

AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Green with Orange Outline Sight Set, Smith and Wesson, M and P Shield
$74.13 in stock
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LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD-45 For Use With Smith & Wesson 45 Shield
$89.99 in stock
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LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD For Use With Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Multi, One Size
$89.52 in stock
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ArmaLaser Designed to fit Smith & Wesson S&W Shield TR4 Super-Bright Red Laser Sight with Grip Activation
$98.75 in stock
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Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguards with Red Laser, Heavy Duty Construction and Instinctive Activation for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Pistols, Defensive Shooting and Competition
$183.53 in stock
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Features of Field Strip M&P Shield Products

Below, we have listed the features of the top 10 best Field Strip M&P Shield.

BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Smith & Wesson M&P; 9/40 Shield SUBCOMPACT ONLY – Superman
$16.99 in stock
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Features

• Compatibility: M&P9; Shield M2.0 Subcompact; M&P40; Shield M2.0
• Subcompact; Performance Center M&P9; Shield M2.0 Subcompact,
• Performance Center M&P40; Shield M2.0 Subcompact, Performance Center
• M&P9; Shield Subcompact, Performance Center M&P40; Shield
• Subcompact, M&P9; Shield Subcompact, M&P40; Shield Subcompact.
• NOT COMPATIBLE with M&P; full size/compact
• Hard coat anodized T6 machined aluminum
• Lasered artwork won’t rub off; not painted
• NOT COMPATIBLE with M&P380; Shield nor M&P45; Shield.

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD For Use With Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield, Multi, One Size
$89.52 in stock
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Features

• Tough reinforced nylon design offers superior integration with firearm frame
• Easily programmable for steady or high-vis pulsed beam
• 10-minute automatic time-out prevents inadvertent battery drain
• Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
• 1/3 N Lithium Battery required; Class IIIa Laser Product

Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguards with Red Laser, Heavy Duty Construction and Instinctive Activation for Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield Pistols, Defensive Shooting, and Competition
$183.53  in stock
Buy Now

Features

• BRIGHTNESS: Features a 5mW peak, 620-670nm, Class 3R visible red laser that is in conformance with and complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 with a max power output of 5mW for a Class 3R Red Laser – the brightest beam allowed by law
• RUNTIME: 4 hours of battery life that runs on (1) 1/3N battery (included)
• EASE OF USE: Front activation button engages the laser immediately when the firearm is held in a normal firing grip – user-installed – no gunsmithing required
• RELIABLE: Factory sighted at 50 feet, but is fully user-adjustable for
• Windage and Elevation with a provided tool
• FITS: Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield and M&P; Shield M2.0 9MM and .40 S&W; (does not fit models with an integrated laser)

CYA Supply Co. Fits S&W; M&P; 9/40 Shield M2.0 Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry IWB Veteran Owned Company (Black, 053- S&W; M&P; 9/40 Shield M2.0)
$39.74 in stock
Free shipping
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Features

• Fits Only: Smith & Wesson M&P; 9mm/.40 S&W; Shield & Shield M2.0 – 3.1″
• Barrel – No Light/Laser Attachments (Right Hand Draw Only)
• IWB Holster – Inside The Waistband – Easily Adjustable Retention Pressure & Carry Angle (Cant) 0-15 Degrees
• Precision molds from CAD milled in the house on our CNC. Made of .08″
• Thickness Boltaron Material – Belt Clip 1.5″ wide – All Stainless Steel Black Powder Coat Hardware
• Posi-Click’ Audible Retention Lock System – Sweat Guard covers full length of slide
• Made in the USA – WE STAND BY OUR QUALITY: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,
• No questions asked return policy and Lifetime Warranty.

Barrel Inside Waistband Holster Concealed Carry
$39.95 in stock
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Features

• Inside the waistband kydex holster fits: Smith & Wesson m&p 4.25″ (only unless specified)
• Exclusive holster features
• Adjustable ‘posi-click’ retention & cant
• Claw compatible – eliminates printing

ArmaLaser Designed to fit Smith & Wesson S&W; Shield TR4 Super-Bright Red Laser Sight with Grip Activation
$98.75 in stock
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Features

• Extremely bright Class 3R 635nm
• Custom designed to fit Smith and Wesson Shield 9/40. WILL NOT FIT
• SHIELD 45, 9 EZ, 380 EZ, or M&P; WITH RAILS.
• Class 3R 635nm
• Adjustable laser, battery door, master kill switch. Made from DuPont Zytel polymer pistol material.
• Designed and assembled in Florida, USA. Patented. Ultra reliable electronics.
• Simple installation. Class 3R Laser Product (Does not exceed Class IIIA emission limits)

Amberide IWB KYDEX Holster Fit: S&W; M&P; Shield & Shield M2.0-9/40-3.1″ Barrel | Inside Waistband | Adjustable Cant | US KYDEX Made (Black, Right Hand Draw (IWB))
$26.99 – $37.99 in stock
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Free shipping

Features

• CARRY WITH CONFIDENCE when you secure your pistol in our concealed carry gun holster. Only Fit: S&W; M&P; SHIELD 9/40 & SHIELD M2.0 – 3.1″
• Barrel – No Light/Laser Attachments. This robust waistband holster safeguards your handgun while facilitating discreet, safe carry.
• RUGGED .08” KYDEX is strong yet lightweight for comfortable, confident carry in any situation. Waterproof and washable, it features a sweat guard that covers the full length of the slide to help maintain your side arm in pristine condition.
• CUSTOMIZE THE CANT of the 1.5” standard belt clip with a Phillips screwdriver for faster draw speeds and optimal concealment under clothing. The black powder-coated stainless steel hardware can be adjusted from 0 to 15 degrees without sacrificing full accessibility.
• ADJUSTABLE RETENTION PRESSURE ensures a fast and smooth draw, customized to your needs. Adjustments can be made quickly so you can tighten the retention screw for your morning jog and loosen it later for regular carry.
• LIFETIME WARRANTY pledge ensures your peace of mind when you choose this Amberide IWB Holster. If our product should ever cease to perform as promised, return it for replacement or a full refund of your purchase price.

Recover Tactical SHR9 Compatible with The Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm and SW40 Picatinny Rail – Easy Installation, No Modifications Required to Your Firearm, no Need for a Gunsmith
$29.95 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

• Designed for the Smith & Wesson Shield
• Won’t Damage your Firearm
• Made Out Of Glass Reinforced Nylon
• Goes on and off in under 3 minutes
• Least expensive solution on the market and the only one that is 100% reversible without needing to modify your pistol

Crimson Trace Tactical Weapon Mount Flashlight for Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield and M&P; Shield 2.0, 100 Lumen LED White Light Tactical LTG-770 Lightguard
$64.49 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

• LED WHITE LIGHT: Featuring a 100 Lumen LED tactical white light with broad beam for maximum versatility
• INSTANT ACTIVATION: Ambidextrous Tap-On / Tap-Off Controls for immediate light activation from either side of the unit. Includes Constant-On & Momentary light modes
• OVER ONE HOUR OF BATTERY LIFE: Powered by two 1/3N Battery (included)
• FITS: Smith & Wesson M&P; Shield and M&P; Shield M2.0 in 9mm and .40 S&W.; Does NOT fit .45 ACP models. Does NOT fit models with factory-integrated laser sight.
• EASY INSTALLATION & RAPID CHANGE BATTERY CAP: User installed- no gunsmithing required & no need to remove the light to change batteries

AmeriGlo Tritium I-Dot Green with Orange Outline Sight Set, Smith and Wesson, M and P Shield
$74.13 in stock
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Features

• AmeriGlo, Sights/Lasers/Lights

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-SHIELD-45 For Use With Smith & Wesson 45 Shield
$89.99 in stock
Buy Now
Free shipping

Features

• Tough reinforced nylon design offers superior
• Easily programmable for steady or high-vis pulsed beam
• Controlled activation to promote firearms safety; Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
• 10-minute automatic time-out prevents inadvertent battery drain
• Ambidextrous TAP ON/TAP OFF switch reinforces safe firearm handling;
• Class IIIa Laser Product

If you’re like us, and spend a significant amount of time outdoors camping, hiking, hunting, or simply enjoying nature, you want the best equipment—or at least the best within a reasonable budget. The best survival knife can prove invaluable for numerous tasks you would perform in any outdoor scenario, including survival. The following research and reviews will help narrow this ever-broadening market, and assist you with finding the best survival knife for your needs, and budget.

We have compiled a list of high quality survival knives that offer great value. Our focus is on the quality and functionality of the knife, not celebrity endorsements or fancy packaging. A survival knife is a tool that needs to be relied upon in all circumstances and given the proper care and respect.

With careful ownership, your survival knife could last for years and become almost an extension of your arm. The choice of knife is a decision that should not be made quickly or taken lightly.

The 5 Best Survival Knife For Hunting On The Market

​What to Look for in a Survival Knife

A common mistake buyers make when searching for a survival blade is to make a choice based on how a knife appears, or which celebrity, government agency, or branch of the military appears on the packaging. We’re not saying that a celebrity-endorsed knife will be of inherently poor quality, but products that focus more on a sexy design or a popular celebrity icon raise a few red flags.

The appearance of a knife tells you nothing about how the knife will function or feel in your hand. Below are a few things to take into consideration when you shop around for a survival knife.

​Size

It’s a common misconception that the bigger the knife, the better it can perform all the tasks you will need it to do. In truth, the size of the knife shouldn’t be cumbersome or awkward for you to hold. A knife that’s ideal for one person may be too big—or too small for you. If it doesn’t immediately make you think “this feels right” when you hold it, you should probably continue shopping. The ideal length averages between 9-11 inches with a 4-6 inch blade, but this may vary depending on an individual’s hand.

Bear in mind that larger knives will not be as efficient at slicing and performing more delicate tasks. Large knives are often ideal for hacking, chopping, digging, and similar uses. Smaller knives will do well at more nuanced tasks, but may fall short will more hefty chores like building an emergency shelter.

Fixed vs. Folding

While a folding blade seems like a great choice for an everyday carry (or EDC) knife—it’s not an ideal choice for a survival knife due to the potential weaknesses created by it’s design. The matter comes down to the joint that allows the knife to fold. This joint is often seen as a weak point in the knife and can be detrimental to your survival should the joint give while you are using the knife.

You can still bring a folding knife with you to handle smaller, less demanding tasks, and quite frankly we recommend doing just this. Almost every outdoorsman can find a use for an old-fashioned pocket knife, smaller fixed blade, or a folding knife for their EDC or utility blade. However, your main survival knife should always have a fixed blade.

Blade

The best survival knife blades are full tang. A full tang is when the blade extends down the middle of the handle to the end of the knife. This can be seen from looking at some tactical knives, while others have a completely enclosed handle, making it hard to tell if the knife utilizes a full tang, three-quarter tang, or other design.

Stainless steel or carbon steel are the typical materials used to make knife blades, each having its own strengths and weaknesses. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it easier to maintain. Steel that is qualified as high carbon steel is harder, and therefore known for retaining an edge better than some other steels.

A serrated blade can come in handy, but a wholly serrated blade will be a problem when you need a straight blade. If you want a serrated blade, look for a knife that has a blade that is partially serrated—this will offer you plenty of versatility in the field.

Handle

The handle can be just as useful as the blade of a survival knife. Choosing a knife with a sturdy pommel at the end of the handle allows your survival knife to double as a striking tool. Hollow handles will not be useful for impacts, because they lack heft and are more likely to break. A hole near the end for a lanyard is a good feature—and shouldn’t greatly impact strength.

The best handles are often coated in a material that prevents the hand from slipping and ensures that the grip is well-maintained. If the handle is uncomfortable, strangely shaped, or imbalanced, you will run into problems while using the knife—problems when using a tool that your life depends on are exactly the type of thing we’d like you to avoid. After all, if you die out there in the field, how are you going to come back to read more articles?

A good handle could very well be the difference between avoiding the need for medical attention and—you guessed it—requiring medical attention. In a potential survival scenario, any injury exponentially complicates things, so it’s wise to choose a properly designed survival blade.

The 5 Best Survival Knives

Bushcrafter Outdoor Survival Knife

The Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife is designed for heavy outdoor use. Interestingly, the original version of this knife was found and used by explosive ordinance technicians who liked the quality of the knife—and used it frequently for cutting plastic explosives.

Their input leads to the redesigning of the survival knife, and here you have it.

The blade is fashioned using S30V stainless steel and keeps its sharp edge with care. The knife is well-balanced and easily fits in large hands for outdoorsmen and women that find smaller knifes difficult to grip.​

Editor’s Rating:

The knife smoothly and efficiently batons, cuts and shaves wood and tinder, butchers game, and can be utilized as a multi-tool. The handle has edges that may dig into the hand upon initial use. The edges can be filed down by hand if they are uncomfortable and the sheath can be replaced with one of your own choosing.

The Bushcrafter’s price is a good deal higher than most survival knives. The higher price speaks to the exceptional quality and durability of the knife. However, it would stand to reason that the handle would be a bit better constructed for such a costly item.​

Cold Steel Survival Knife

The Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Fixed Blade Knife is a reasonably attractive knife, if not a bit simple, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for with durability and functionality.

The SRK is sharp and retains its edge even with extensive use. The kraton encased handle helps keep your grip from slipping and makes handling the knife comfortable. The full tang design allows the knife to withstand harsh treatment and being battered through outdoor activities.

The high shine of the blade can be a deal breaker if you are looking for a stealthy knife. While the polish is impressive, it is a bit shocking, but it will fade over time with use. You could also dirty up the blade some to cut down on the shine if it’s really a serious concern.​

Editor’s Rating:

This knife is a bit expensive and when you venture into the knife market anywhere north of the $100 price range, the competition gets incredibly tough. While the construction is solid and well-done, thematerials alone may not warrant a high price. Still, the quality of the knife is worth the cost, if you can spare a bit more cash.

If you’re serious about this knife, you can find a few great deals on Amazon.​

The LMFII was designed with a few bells and whistles, which drove up the price a bit. It comes equipped with a built-in sharpener, which can be useful, but is unnecessary. The use of plastic in the handle may have contributed to keeping the price down, but a better material would have been a better choice, even if the price went up somewhat.​

Schrade Survival Knife

Schrade’s SCHF9N survival knife was designed for endurance and big jobs. The knife excels at chopping, hacking, and breaking apart materials, but does not have enough delicacy to tackle smaller tasks.

The size and heaviness of the knife lend to its ability to cut and chop wood but is its downfall for tasks requiring a lighter hand.

Editor’s Rating:

On the large side, this knife is perfect for a user with large hands and a good amount of strength. Buyers of smaller builds may find this knife a little unwieldy. A smaller knife is less taxing on the user and less awkward to use for people with smaller hands and less brute strength.

​Sold for around $40, the SCHF9N is a bargain for a survival knife without compromising quality. However, you may need to dole out a bit more money to invest in a knife that can handle less demanding tasks.

Ontario Knife Company

Ontario Knife Company had deep-set roots in the knife-making world stretching back well over a hundred years—125 years according to their web site.

All of that expertise is put into the Black Bird SK-5 and it’s brother, the Black Bird Noir.

The size and materials used to create the knife make it especially durable and well-balanced. The price is on the high side, but as we’ve said before, you get what you pay for.

The SK-5 can be had for around a hundred dollars, but one look at this beauty and you know the price is for the craftsmanship of the knife instead of the aesthetics.​

Editor’s Rating:

The designer of the SK-5, Paul Sheiter, said “I believe the more complicated a product becomes, the more likely it is to fail when your life depends on it. For this reason, I designed The Blackbird SK-5 Knife to achieve maximum function delivered through pure simplicity.” When discussing the topic of survival gear, we couldn’t agree more, Paul.

The knife comes with a sheath—and if you’re feeling frisky there are plenty of custom options, like this one by Hedgehog Leatherworks, that pair very nicely with the Black Bird SK-5.

Of the survival knives we have researched and reviewed, the Outdoorhill overall top pick is the Ontario Knife Company Black Bird SK-5. We chose the SK-5 as our top pick as it can perform numerous functions equally well. It also has the impressive ability to maintain its edge and offers a solid grip to avoid slippage and possible injury. You may find yourself more attracted to a knife that’s designed a bit prettier, and we understand that, but the Black Bird SK-5 would be the ideal choice for any outdoorsman or survivalist needing a valuable tool that can be kept at their side at all times.

Conclusion

It should be noted, that most of the top 5 survival knives we looked at today were sold at high-end prices. This highlights the fact that well-made, high-quality knives will cost more, but are worth the expense for meeting your needs. Keep in mind that substance over style is far more important when choosing items you plan to potentially stake your life on.

Always ask yourself, will this knife get the job done? Don’t worry about how it will look while doing it.

A good survival knife will aid your survival, not act as an interesting accessory.​

A good survival knife will be your partner in the rugged outdoor landscape. You will need a knife you can depend on, demand the best from on each outing, and wield with precision and confidence. Choose the knife that will bring out the best in both of you!​