Mailbox-style optics—like the Steiner MPS and Aimpoint ACRO—are very popular. They are enclosed, which protects the optic’s emitter and keeps debris away from the lens. And they can take a beating, which is why the MPS and ACRO are popular among military and LE folks.
But if you are like me, you have top-shelf tastes on a beer budget. You want all the cool whizbang stuff, but your budget says otherwise.
Luckily, a few good optic manufacturers make items aimed at us. They’re trying to make affordable options for the everyman.
The latest in budget-friendly enclosed optics is the Swampfox Kraken II. Let’s check it out.
SPECS
The Kraken II builds on the original with several major updates: it eliminates the side-mounted battery, adds an inverted emitter and a larger 22mm window, and significantly reduces bulk. These changes make it a strong candidate for a wide range of pistols.
The standard specs are as follows:
| Specification | Swampfox Kraken II |
|---|---|
| Model(s) | Kraken II |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Footprint | ACRO |
| Dot Size | 3 MOA (with option for multi-reticle) |
| Dot Color | Red and Green Options |
| Brightness Settings | 10 |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited |
| Parallax Setting | Parallax Free |
| Length | 1.80″ |
| Weight | 2.17 oz. |
| Battery Type | CR2032 |
| Battery Run Time | Approx. 2 years (real-world, Shake ’N Wake) |
| MSRP | $329.00 for Green or Red; $369.00 for Red or Green multi-reticle |
FEATURES
The Swampfox Kraken II refines the company’s enclosed pistol-optic design with a slimmer profile, improved mounting, and a wider sight picture. Swampfox built it with a 7075 aluminum body and stainless-steel mounting plates, and slimmed the profile with holster compatibility in mind. The 22 mm window gives you a wide, open view, and Swampfox says the upgraded emitter keeps the reticle crisp across all 10 brightness settings, two of which are dedicated to night vision.
The optic is designed to sit close to the pistol’s bore axis and measures 1.80″ x 1.14″ x 1.26″, weighing 2.17 ounces. Shooters can choose a 3 MOA red/green single dot or multi-reticle option, with a CR2032 battery providing about two years of life.
The IPX7-rated, parallax-free optic costs $329 or $369. The Kraken II ships with MOS and RMR adapter plates, along with the appropriate screws.
ZOOMING OUT
If an MPS or ACRO isn’t in your budget, the Kraken II is worth a look. It appears to be feature-rich and priced very attractively. For a gun that begs for a mailbox-style optic, this seems like a good option.
Consider this. You can almost buy two of these for the price of an MPS or ACRO. Not bad, right?
Whichever optic you land on, carry it in a holster made for one. Safariland’s optic-ready holsters are built for red dot-equipped pistols.
For more new release news, head over to the Cadre Dispatch, and for more from Swampfox, visit our Swampfox tag page.
Holsters Built for Red Dot Pistols
Quick Answers on the Swampfox Kraken II
Swampfox says it fits RMR and MOS footprint slides, using the stainless-steel adapter plates that come in the box.
The battery now loads from the top instead of a side compartment; the inverted emitter keeps it low over the bore, the window is 22mm, and the body is slimmer.
Yes. Two of its 10 illumination settings are dedicated night vision modes.
A CR2032 that loads from the top. Swampfox rates it at about two years of real-world use with Shake ’N Wake.
$329 for the single red or green dot, and $369 for the red or green multi-reticle.
