Swampfox Reticle Guide: Prism Scopes

When shopping for an optic, reticle is often a critical consideration. After all, it’s what we see and use as shooters to take aim. Accuracy depends on it.

Whether you’re looking for a reticle that best suits or needs or researching which Swampfox prism optic you want to purchase, learn more about every reticle across our prism scope lineup – including Raider 1x, Blade 1x, Trihawk 3x, and Saber 5x.

Fixed Magnification

While most prism optics have magnification, not all do. Prisms can have the same 1x magnification of red dots, just with more internal lenses. However, prism scopes beyond 1x power have fixed magnification rather than variable magnification, like low power variable optics (LPVOs) and traditional riflescopes (e.g., 3-15x). The greater the magnification, the potential for greater precision, which often requires more detailed and complicated reticle designs.

BDC/BRC vs. MOA

Though less complex than riflescope reticles, prism scopes can still feature familiar Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC), Bullet Rise Compensating (BRC), and Minute of Angle (MOA) measurements. BDC and BRC reticles function similarly with quick reference points for ranging at different distances and are typically calibrated for specific calibers and bullet weights. MOA reticles use angular measurements and a formula to calculate ranging, with 1 MOA equaling 1 inch at 100 yards. Red dot-style center dot and chevron reticles are also common for prism optics. Each has their place based on magnification, application, and shooter preference.

Etched Illumination

Red dots use LED emitters to project their reticle onto a forward lens; prism scopes use glass-etched reticles – like riflescopes – chemically infilled with luminescent material. Still powered by an LED, this allows specific parts of, or the entire, reticle to be illuminated while reducing or eliminating the effects of astigmatism/distortion seen with red dots. Etched reticles can also be used without illumination when ambient light is present. Illumination can be turned up or down to account for varying indoor and outdoor light conditions without significant blooming.

6 MOA Dot

The simplest reticle across our prism line, Raider’s single 6 MOA dot is also the closest to rifle dot sights, like Liberator II – only etched and larger. However, these characteristics, in addition to it being offered in both red and green illumination, are what make it a better option for shooters with astigmatism. An etched reticle not only allows the reticle to be used with and without illumination, but its larger size also reduces distortion when illuminated while remaining visible when not, and is quicker for the human eye to pick up when engaging close range targets. In addition, a dot style reticle is caliber-agnostic, making it a viable option atop weapon platforms from 5.56 NATO AR15s to 9mm PCCs and even 12 ga. shotguns.

BRC (Raider)

Designed for CQB use, Raider’s Bullet Rise Compensating (BRC) reticle compensates for the “bullet rise” effect when shooting within your zero distance and the mechanical offset between the optic and the bore, referred to as “height over bore.” Completely illuminated in red or green, the reticle consists of a 102 MOA outer diameter, 270-degree horseshoe, a center trident, and two stacked 6 MOA dots. From the bottom dot up to the tip of the trident, shooters can quickly and accurately engage targets at 5, 10, 15, and 50/200 yards without guesswork or manual calculations. Though calibrated for .223 Rem/5.56 NATO at 50/200 yards, the reticle is versatile across calibers within 15 yards.

Watch our comparison video to learn more about Raider’s 6 MOA dot and BRC reticles.

For complete Raider reticle subtensions, view the digital Raider Manual.

Shop Swampfox Raider 1x

BRC (Blade)

The predecessor to Raider, the Blade BRC offers slight variation on a larger 25mm lens. Available in red, green, and amber illumination – the latter great for those with colorblindness – the reticle sports a complete 100 MOA ring interrupted by 10 MOA directional crosshairs. Inside sits a center chevron and 6 MOA holdover dot. Four reference points from the top of the 6 o’clock crosshair to the tip of the trident represent 5, 10, 15, and 50/200 yard holdovers. Calibrated for .223 Rem/5.56 NATO and .308 Win at 50/200 yards, the reticle is versatile across calibers within 15 yards as bullet paths have little chance to diverge at close range.

For complete Blade BRC reticle subtensions, view the digital Blade Manual.

Shop Swampfox Blade 1x

Trident BDC

As magnification increases, so must a reticle’s ranging ability. Trihawk’s red or green Trident BDC offers shooters the perfect balance between speed and long-range accuracy with a wide 3x field of view. Duplex lines at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions draw the shooter’s eye in toward a bold 44 MOA outer ring with directional crosshairs and center chevron. A ladder at the 12 o’clock position displays 4 MOA wide hashmarks at varying distances for holdovers out to 800 yards, the tip of the chevron representing a standard 50/200 yard zero with the bottom leg 300 yards and each hash below increasing 100 yards for 5.56 NATO and .308 Win trajectories.

Trident MOA

If more comfortable with MOA measurements, the Trihawk Trident MOA reticle may be for you. Nearly identical to the BDC variant, the Trident MOA features the same three-duplex lines leading to a 44 MOA ring and directional crosshairs. A center chevron serves as a rapid reference point at close range with a 4 MOA ladder below extending out 36 MOA in 4 MOA increments by way of alternating 4 MOA and 8 MOA wide hash marks for mid to long-range targets. Not caliber-specific, the ranging ladder can be used to estimate the distance of targets of a known size. The Trident MOA is offered with red or green illumination.

For complete Trihawk reticle subtensions, view the digital Trihawk Reticle Guide.

Shop Swampfox Trihawk 3x

Strike MOA

With fixed 5x magnification and a wide 10-degree field of view, Saber’s etched Strike MOA reticle offers a fast, instinctive, and precision design easy to use and understand. Three angled duplex lines draw your eye into a thick 44 MOA illuminated horseshoe and fine 4 MOA center cross for quick-strike shots on target. A 42 MOA ladder of alternating 2 MOA and 4 MOA wide hash marks at the 12 o’clock position offers extensive vertical holdovers in 2 MOA increments for shooters using 300BLK, 7.62 NATO, or similar rounds with significant bullet drop. The Strike MOA reticle is available in Swampfox’s standard red or green illumination.

For complete Saber Strike MOA reticle subtensions, view the digital Saber Manual.

Shop Swampfox Saber 5x

Not sure which prism reticle is right for you?

Purchase with confidence knowing all Swampfox optics are protected by our 30-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee. Mount and shoot with your prism scope up to 30 days after delivery. If you’re not happy with the prism or reticle you chose, simply return it for another reticle variant, optic, or full refund. Plus, Raider 1x (with added 1.93” Outlaw Mount) and Saber 5x prisms ship for free!

Or, view our LPVO Reticle Guide for etched, illuminated reticles with variable magnification.