Guns Israel Defense Forces select new combat optic Recoil Staff December 14, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. We're hearing the IDF has selected a new optic to be standard issue for ground combat troops — the Meprolight M5. It's the first move of this scale in over a decade and a half. The new optic will replace the previous standard issue M21, an optic with a history of the front breaking off. The has been the source of much complaint by Israeli troops and is quickly evident to anyone examining the weapons of an IDF infantry unit. The M5 is manufactured by the Israeli firm Meprolight and will be issued quickly, as in within just a matter of weeks. Issue will begin with the Golani, Nahal, Givaati and Kfir Infantry brigades as well as Para units and Combat Engineers. The M5 reportedly has a battery life of over 2000 hours and contains a fiber optic that changes the size of the red dot relative to the distance from the target. It is suitable for “Both-eyes” shooting and for use with magnification devices and Gen II and III NVGs. Meprolight is based in Or Akiva, Israel and is a member of the SK Group, the same Israeli conglomerate that owns IWI (manufacturer of the Tavor rifle and Negev light machine gun). Photos by Benny Levin. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
