Lead & Steel

About Lead & Steel

Lead & Steel was founded in 2019 as a next generation defense innovation and production firm focused on bringing transparency and innovation to the firearms optics and accessories market.

The company operates under the umbrella of National Defense Systems (NATDEF), led by CEO Ahmad Aboukar, a licensed attorney and graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Lead & Steel has rapidly built a reputation for engineering-driven solutions and direct community engagement through social media and forums.

The company operates the Central Ohio Research Division (CORD), their dedicated opto-mechanical engineering team responsible for designing and developing proprietary optics and firearm components.

Since 2019, Lead & Steel has established itself as a leader in American innovation and engineering excellence, setting them apart from larger, more traditional manufacturers through their commitment to transparency and customer interaction.

Popular Lead & Steel Features

AuraWave Technology

• This proprietary shake-to-wake implementation developed by CORD offers a safer design compared to traditional motion-sensing auto-wake systems.

Multiple Reticle Systems

• Users can customize their shooting experience with versatile reticle options including 65 MOA CQB rings, 2 MOA center dots, and ring-only or dot-only configurations.

Japanese Glass Lenses

• Premium optical clarity is achieved through high-quality Japanese glass construction for superior target acquisition and sight picture.

7075-T6 Aluminum Construction

• Rugged aluminum housings with sealing plates provide enhanced durability under impact and harsh environmental conditions.

IPX8 Waterproof Rating

• Maritime-grade waterproofing ensures reliable performance in wet conditions and extreme weather environments.

Night Vision Compatibility

• Dedicated NV settings allow seamless integration with night vision equipment for low-light operations.

Best-Selling Lead & Steel Products

Promethean LP-1 Red Dot Optic

• This flagship product features the innovative "donut of death" reticle system with multiple options and rugged construction designed for long guns.

Pandora PB-3 Micro Red Dot Sight

• Popular pistol optic with ACRO P2 footprint compatibility, 3-MOA reticle, and class-leading field of view for handgun applications.

All-Rounder Carbine (ARC) Series

• Complete AR-15 rifles available in multiple barrel lengths (13.9", 14.5", 16") featuring high-quality components and Lead & Steel bolt carrier groups.

ARC Bolt Carrier Groups

• C158 steel construction with HP/MPI testing, available in DLC and Titanium Nitride coatings for enhanced performance and durability.

JAG (Just As Good) Series Rifles

• Budget-friendly complete rifle options available with custom camo patterns including Multicam, Desert Night, and Tiger Stripe finishes.

Replacement Hoods and Accessories

• Customization options include replacement hoods for LP-1 optics in multiple anodized colors and various mounting accessories.

Popular Uses for Lead & Steel

Law Enforcement and Military Applications

• Professional end users rely on Lead & Steel's duty-driven designs that meet uncompromising reliability standards for tactical operations.

Home Defense and Personal Protection

• Civilian shooters choose Lead & Steel optics for reliable home defense configurations with fast target acquisition capabilities.

Competitive Shooting Sports

• Competition shooters benefit from the precision and clarity of Japanese glass optics combined with versatile reticle options for various shooting disciplines.

AR-15 Building and Customization

• Enthusiasts and builders select Lead & Steel components like bolt carrier groups and optics to enhance their custom rifle builds.

Night Operations and Low-Light Shooting

• The night vision compatible settings and rugged construction make Lead & Steel optics ideal for low-light and night shooting applications.

Lead & Steel FAQs

QUESTION: What is Lead & Steel AuraWave technology and how does it work?
ANSWER: AuraWave is Lead & Steel's proprietary shake-to-wake implementation that provides a safer design compared to traditional motion-sensing auto-wake systems.

QUESTION: Are Lead & Steel optics compatible with night vision equipment?
ANSWER: Yes, both the Promethean LP-1 and Pandora PB-3 optics feature dedicated night vision compatible settings for low-light operations.

QUESTION: What mounting systems do Lead & Steel optics use?
ANSWER: The LP-1 is compatible with 1913 Picatinny rails while the PB-3 uses the ACRO P2 footprint and can expand to RMR footprint with the Ghost Adapter Plate.

QUESTION: Where are Lead & Steel products manufactured and assembled?
ANSWER: Components are sourced globally but all products are assembled, purged, and tested at their facility in Plain City, Ohio.

QUESTION: What battery type do Lead & Steel optics use and what's the battery life?
ANSWER: Lead & Steel optics use CR2032 batteries with extended runtime optimized through their AuraWave technology.

QUESTION: What reticle options are available in Lead & Steel red dot sights?
ANSWER: The LP-1 offers 65 MOA CQB ring with 2 MOA center dot, ring only, or dot only, while the PB-3 features 3 and 32 MOA dot/ring options.

QUESTION: Does Lead & Steel offer complete rifles or just optics and accessories?
ANSWER: Lead & Steel offers both complete AR-15 rifles through their ARC and JAG series as well as individual components like optics and bolt carrier groups.

QUESTION: What is the warranty and customer support for Lead & Steel products?
ANSWER: Lead & Steel provides customer support Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm EST, with phone support available at (614) 905-4096.

QUESTION: Are Lead & Steel optics waterproof for harsh weather conditions?
ANSWER: Yes, Lead & Steel optics feature IPX8 waterproof ratings designed for maritime applications and harsh environmental conditions.

QUESTION: What makes Lead & Steel different from other optics manufacturers?
ANSWER: Lead & Steel stands out through their engineering-driven approach, direct community engagement, transparency, and innovative technologies like AuraWave developed by their CORD division.