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AR15.COM
1/22/2026 2:55:02 AM EDT
Based in Michigan, founded in 2024, but formally announced this month.
https://coltoptics.com/
https://www.coltczgroup.com/en/brands-companies/colt-optics
https://www.coltczgroup.com/en/media-press-releases/colt-cz-group-se-announces-colt-electro-optics
https://soldiersystems.net/2026/01/12/colt-cz-group-se-announces-the-launch-of-colt-electro-optics-llc/

Matt Van Haaren, the president, was the CEO of Eotech after they were spun off by L3Harris.

Job application I found
Click To View Spoiler

I wouldn't be surprised if they end up just being a mil contractor.
1/22/2026 9:16:47 AM EDT
[#1]
Don't know about anything currently being made, but the stuff from years ago was typically overpriced junk.
1/23/2026 4:25:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Minuteman1636][Edited] [#2]
Product announcements coming around March probably.

These will be original, OEM products.
These are not a rebrand of an existing product as we have seen in the past with C-More Optics, etc.

Attached File


Attached File
4/8/2026 7:27:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Apple3_14159][Edited] [#3]
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/colt-optics-lpvo-selected-for-canadian-modular-assault-rifle-cmar-pr-44827516

Attached File


I also saw this posted on Sniper's Hide but can't find a source, so I don't know how accurate it is.
Attached File
4/8/2026 8:31:23 PM EDT
[#4]
Originally Posted By Apple3_14159:
Based in Michigan, founded in 2024, but formally announced this month.
https://coltoptics.com/
https://www.coltczgroup.com/en/brands-companies/colt-optics
https://www.coltczgroup.com/en/media-press-releases/colt-cz-group-se-announces-colt-electro-optics
https://soldiersystems.net/2026/01/12/colt-cz-group-se-announces-the-launch-of-colt-electro-optics-llc/

Matt Van Haaren, the president, was the CEO of Eotech after they were spun off by L3Harris.

Job application I found
Click To View Spoiler

I wouldn't be surprised if they end up just being a mil contractor.
View Quote
The video on the new company website is pure fucked up marketing. Talking about legacy of Colt, but no preview of what the Colt Optics products are about. I want to see more Optics stuff, not rehash Colt history. Kinda like its sister brand DW put out new marketing and all we can see is obsurd price jump.
4/8/2026 10:12:38 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History


I saw that on Soldier Systems. That first reticle looks like something from one of the Predator movies.
4/8/2026 10:40:56 PM EDT
[#6]
That "colt" in a pentagon is hardly the proper rampant colt logo. However. A simple search brings up at least one reference to coltczgroup dot com.
Appears this is part of the CZ group, Sellier & Bellot, Dan Wesson, Etc. Czech Republic. Not Euro-trash. Eastern Bloc. Used to work at a gunshop that carried IJK optics. Those are also made in Czechoslovakia. Good Ceech glass/coatings. Any photobug'll tell you coatings are the key. They also make night vision/thermal. Budget stuff. Not for you high-falutin' Arfcommers.....LMAO...
But they definitely know how to make gun stuff....
4/10/2026 1:21:32 AM EDT
[#7]
I hope Colt is not importing Optics, it will be a disaster. The Colt Optics is headquartered in Michigan and I am expecting Made in USA stuff.
4/10/2026 6:33:36 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By mlin:
I hope Colt is not importing Optics, it will be a disaster. The Colt Optics is headquartered in Michigan and I am expecting Made in USA stuff.
View Quote


They [Colt] have a history with importing their optics so not much has changed. All mine are imported.
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.

I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
4/10/2026 9:00:00 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By fxntime:


They [Colt] have a history with importing their optics so not much has changed. All mine are imported.
View Quote
I understand what you are referring to. If Colt want to follow the past practice importing Optics, it can just do so sell it as accessories on it's Connecticut website. No reason to actually register and form a separate company in Michigan to do so.

COLT ELECTRO OPTICS, LLC
https://www.coltczgroup.com/en/media-press-releases/colt-cz-group-se-announces-colt-electro-optics


4/14/2026 5:51:42 PM EDT
[#10]
First three consumer products announced: 1-8x28, 3-18x44, and 4.5-27x56, all 34mm and FFP with Schott glass. The first two are supposed to be available in the "next few weeks".
https://coltoptics.com/colt-optics-launches-vmr-series-riflescope/

Honestly, I half expected them to only produce mil contract optics so this is a good start.
4/15/2026 7:55:32 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Minuteman1636][Edited] [#11]
Colt Optics is a standalone company that is part of the Colt CZ Group. The products are OEM products and are not rebranded items from other OEM's. I will be buying the 1-8 optic when it hits the market.

I talked to one of the company reps at Shot Show. Their primary focus is the U.S. commercial market. Obviously they would love to get some government contracts but they aren't building their company on the hopes of government business.

Lastly, Colt Optics has a couple of production positions open in Michigan where they are located.

Attached File
4/15/2026 9:39:42 PM EDT
[#12]
I looked up pricing. Ouch. Getting into that price range as a new unknown [quality wise] player is fraught with risk.
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.

I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
4/16/2026 6:13:15 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Minuteman1636:
Colt Optics is a standalone company that is part of the Colt CZ Group. The products are OEM products and are not rebranded items from other OEM's. I will be buying the 1-8 optic when it hits the market.

I talked to one of the company reps at Shot Show. Their primary focus is the U.S. commercial market. Obviously they would love to get some government contracts but they aren't building their company on the hopes of government business.

Lastly, Colt Optics has a couple of production positions open in Michigan where they are located.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/336740/Screenshot_20260415_191702_Samsung_Brows-3747283.JPG
View Quote


Interesting; when I first saw this and that they weren't going to be rebranded I assumed they were wading into the same pool as SIG so they could advertise complete systems (weapon/optic/ammo(?)) for contracts.

I guess we'll see how this plays out and what they bring to the table.
4/16/2026 5:58:27 PM EDT
[#14]
Colt Optics VMR 1-8 LPVO

The VMR 1-8x28 was designed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement personnel, while still being accessible to shooters of any discipline.

First Focal Plane w/ two reticles - QR-19 MOA Reticle (CQB focused) - HXT-08 MRAD Reticle (Precision focused)
34mm tube and 28mm objective diameter for maximum light transmission  
two colorways, Black and Coyote
Illuminated reticle from a single CR2032
4/19/2026 10:19:34 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Minuteman1636:
Colt Optics VMR 1-8 LPVO

The VMR 1-8x28 was designed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement personnel, while still being accessible to shooters of any discipline.

First Focal Plane w/ two reticles - QR-19 MOA Reticle (CQB focused) - HXT-08 MRAD Reticle (Precision focused)
34mm tube and 28mm objective diameter for maximum light transmission  
two colorways, Black and Coyote
Illuminated reticle from a single CR2032
View Quote


Very interesting. If these are truly US manufactured, I think they will do very well.
4/28/2026 11:13:07 PM EDT
[#16]
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/tfb-exclusive-interview-with-colt-optics-ceo-matt-van-haaren-44827933

Red dot/magnifier combo apparently coming in the future.
6/29/2026 5:10:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Apple3_14159][Edited] [#17]
Some interesting new products:
T2-footprint red dot
3x magnifier; looks like it might work with Eotech mounts but not sure.
Acro-footprint pistol dot

Also a LAM that is supposed to be to be a close clone of the Brolis LP5X. I've never heard if it before but Brolis is a Lithuanian company with a few military contracts. No civilian version unfortunately.

The rifle dot is advertised at 8 oz, which hopefully includes the mount; otherwise that's kinda heavy. Light transmission is advertised at 92% while Aimpoint advertises 70% for the T2, though who knows if those numbers are directly comparable. Window size is 32x32mm (T2 has an 18mm lens and the EXPS3 is 30x23mm) so in theory this could be pretty good for night vision. I like that it has an option for a 1.5 MOA dot.
Attached File


Magnifier specs (I didn't see an advertised exit pupil):
                                       
C3X-1G333X-Mag13X-PTrijicon
6.1 oz assuming w/ mount7.8 oz, no mount8.1 oz, no mount7.1 oz, no mount6.5 oz, assuming w/ mount
75-85mm eye relief56mm70mm56mm66mm
7.5 deg FOV7.377.37.2


Again, take everything with a grain of salt because advertised specs are far from everything, but it seems like they're not phoning it in.
7/3/2026 10:45:30 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Apple3_14159:
Some interesting new products:
T2-footprint red dot
3x magnifier; looks like it might work with Eotech mounts but not sure.
Acro-footprint pistol dot

Also a LAM that is supposed to be to be a close clone of the Brolis LP5X. I've never heard if it before but Brolis is a Lithuanian company with a few military contracts. No civilian version unfortunately.

The rifle dot is advertised at 8 oz, which hopefully includes the mount; otherwise that's kinda heavy. Light transmission is advertised at 92% while Aimpoint advertises 70% for the T2, though who knows if those numbers are directly comparable. Window size is 32x32mm (T2 has an 18mm lens and the EXPS3 is 30x23mm) so in theory this could be pretty good for night vision. I like that it has an option for a 1.5 MOA dot.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/573107/Screenshot_2026-06-29_162603_jpg-3787103.JPG

Magnifier specs (I didn't see an advertised exit pupil):
                                       
C3X-1G333X-Mag13X-PTrijicon
6.1 oz assuming w/ mount7.8 oz, no mount8.1 oz, no mount7.1 oz, no mount6.5 oz, assuming w/ mount
75-85mm eye relief56mm70mm56mm66mm
7.5 deg FOV7.377.37.2


Again, take everything with a grain of salt because advertised specs are far from everything, but it seems like they're not phoning it in.
View Quote
New article from TFB about the red dots.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/colt-optics-launches-three-new-red-dot-sights-and-magnifier-44829268
8/27/2026 12:01:06 AM EDT
[#19]
TFB review of the 3-18.

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