The MCG Tactical Stinger Combat Optic’s been getting some buzz lately among folks looking for a budget-friendly aiming solution. At just $79, it’s marketed as a rugged, Mil-Spec precision red dot sight that’s supposed to handle rough conditions—but a closer look reveals both strong points and a few trade-offs.
This review dives into its features and real-world performance. Let’s see if it actually fits your needs or if you should keep looking.
Design and Build Quality
The Stinger’s first impression? It looks a lot like an EOTECH holographic sight, which is a favorite for military and law enforcement. But looks can be deceiving—it isn’t a true holographic sight.
Instead, it uses standard LED tech for the reticle. So, if you’re expecting fancy optical engineering, you might want to dial it back a notch.
Materials and Finish
The housing’s made from aluminum, which keeps things strong without adding much heft. But instead of being anodized for durability, it’s just painted.
This paint could wear down faster, especially if you’re rough on your gear. On the upside, at 6.9 ounces, it’s lighter than the EOTECH models it mimics, which is honestly kind of nice if you’re lugging your rifle all day.
Optic Features
The Stinger stands out from other budget optics with a couple of neat features. You can pick between a red or green reticle, and there are eight brightness settings.
The reticle itself is a 1 MOA dot inside a 65 MOA circle. That’s pretty versatile—fast enough for close stuff, precise enough for finer shots. The controls follow the EXPS2 layout, which will feel pretty familiar if you’ve used those before.
Night Vision Claims
There’s a button labeled “NV”—night vision, right? Not quite. The Stinger doesn’t actually offer true night vision compatibility.
This could throw off buyers who expect a real NV mode. Honestly, it’s more of a cosmetic nod to other optics than anything you’d actually use.
Power and Efficiency
The optic runs on a CR123A battery, which you can find just about anywhere. It’s also got a two-hour auto shutoff to help save battery life.
That’s handy for casual shooters. But if you need your optic always on and ready, this might be a slight drawback.
Durability and Field Performance
Testing showed the Stinger holds zero under recoil and vibration, which is always a relief. It shrugged off rough handling and range trips without much fuss.
One thing, though—in bright sunlight, the reticle can get washed out. That’s a common issue with budget optics, so just be aware if you shoot outside a lot.
Pros and Cons Overview
Here’s the quick rundown for anyone still on the fence:
- Pros: Super affordable; red or green reticle; familiar controls; holds up fine for casual use; nice and light.
- Cons: Just painted, not anodized; no real night vision; reticle can fade in bright sun; probably made in China.
Value Assessment
Looking at what you get for the price, the Stinger actually does a decent job. It skips some of the premium touches, but the basics—holding zero, color options, easy controls—are all there.
Final Verdict
After years of poking around optics, both in the field and at the range, I’ve got to say—the MCG Tactical Stinger Combat Optic really does carve out its own little spot in the market. It isn’t pretending to be a top-tier holographic sight, and honestly, you can spot the cost-cutting if you look for it.
Still, for the price, it’s surprising how much you get. If you’re just hitting the range, doing some training, or need a backup that won’t empty your wallet, this thing’s actually pretty handy.
Just keep your expectations in check. The whole “mil-spec” thing? Yeah, that’s mostly marketing. But if you want a decent optic that doesn’t cost a fortune, the Stinger holds up well.
It’s not the one for folks who need a battle-tested, duty-grade sight. But for everyone else, honestly, this could be a great way to dip your toes into the world of precision shooting optics.
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Here is the source article for this story: MCG Tactical Stinger Review: The $79 “Not-EOTECH”