Shock resistance (G) is a parameter that defines how strong a recoil force (acceleration measured in “G”) a riflescope or red dot sight can withstand over long-term use without damaging the optics, electronics, or internal mechanisms. This value is essential for use on real firearms, where recoil generates extreme vibration and sharp impacts. If you want an optic that will perform reliably on an airsoft gun, a GBB rifle, and even a real platform (AR-15, AK, PCC), we recommend products from Vector Optics and VictOptics, which have long been considered top choices on the market. Shop on our e-store.

Examples of different shock-resistance levels (G)

• 750 G
  
  Suitable for light and mid-calibre firearms. Typical compatibility:
  – .22 LR (sport rifles, PCC)
  – 9×19 (AR-9 carbines, CZ Scorpion EVO, PCC rifles)
  – 5.56×45 NATO for recreational shooting
  This level is often used in lightweight red dots and some LPVO scopes.
  
  
  
• 1000 G
  
  Considered the standard for high-quality riflescopes. Suitable for:
  – 5.56×45 NATO / .223 Rem on AR-15
  – 7.62×39 (AK platform)
  – .308 Win under moderate load
  This durability is offered by most service-grade and tactical optics.
  
  
  
• 1400 G
  
  Designed for heavy calibres and long-term professional use. Suitable for:
  – .308 Win / 7.62 NATO (DMR, sniper rifles)
  – 6.5 Creedmoor
  – .300 WinMag
  – in some cases .338 Lapua Magnum (with top-tier optics)
  This is the standard for the most durable tactical riflescopes.

Common shock-resistance tiers

• Riflescopes:
  – 600–800 G → recreational optics
  – 1000 G → service and tactical models
  – 1200–1500+ G → professional sniper optics
  
  
  
• Red dot sights:
  – Micro red dots: 500–1000 G
  – Primary red dots: 1200 G and above
  – Enclosed red dots: typically higher durability thanks to their robust design

Why cheap airsoft optics cannot be used on real firearms

• Insufficient recoil resistance:
  Airsoft has minimal recoil. Real firearms generate shock peaks of hundreds of G.
  
  
• Weak internal mechanisms:
  Turrets, lenses and tubes aren’t designed for real recoil — they lose zero after a few shots.
  
  
• Electronics shutting off:
  Cheap red dots often “reset” on recoil → the dot turns off during the shot. This can also happen on GBB airsoft rifles with strong blowback.
  
  
• Poor materials and assembly:
  Low-grade aluminium alloys, screws that loosen, optics that cannot retain zero.

Why some cheap red dots turn off even on airsoft GBB rifles

Gas-blowback airsoft rifles create a short, sharp impulse into the weapon’s frame. Cheap red dots:

• use low-quality spring contacts,
• have battery connectors that “bounce off”,
• contain unprotected electronics that reset,
• have lenses with no internal cushioning.

Result: the red dot blinks off momentarily or shuts down completely during recoil.

Vector Optics and VictOptics — exceptional price/performance

The brands Vector Optics and its more affordable sister line VictOptics are among the few manufacturers offering:

• Real shock resistance of 800–1500 G, tested even on real calibres.
• True Zero Stop, precise turret clicks and robust tubes.
• Excellent compatibility with airsoft and real firearms — without shutting off or losing zero.
• Lifetime warranty on most models, which is rare in this price category.

If you want an optic that performs on airsoft, GBB rifles and real platforms (AR-15, AK, PCC), Vector Optics and VictOptics are among the best choices available.

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