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ZeroTech Optics Expands the Thrive Line with New 1-10×24 LPVO Series

Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Nashville, TN – ZeroTech Optics is proud to announce the launch of the new Thrive 1-10×24 SFP Illuminated LPVO series, delivering enhanced versatility, precision, and rugged performance for shooters who demand more from their low power variable optic.

The new 1-10×24 LPVO lineup expands the popular Thrive family, offering a true 1x for rapid target acquisition and extending out to 10x magnification for confident mid-range engagement. Designed for competition, tactical applications, and dynamic hunting scenarios, the Thrive 1-10×24 provides the flexibility modern shooters require in a single optic.

The series is available in three illuminated reticle configurations:

TH11024RAR-IR – RAR Illuminated
Product page

PHR4 – TH11024P4-IR
Reticle reference
Product page

G4 – TH11024G-IR
Reticle reference
Product page

Each model features a second focal plane (SFP) illuminated reticle, engineered to provide crisp holdover references while maintaining a bold, daylight-bright center aiming point at 1x.

Built for Speed and Precision

The Thrive 1-10×24 LPVO bridges the gap between close-quarters speed and extended-range precision. At true 1x magnification, shooters benefit from rapid, both-eyes-open shooting similar to a red dot (https://zerotechoptics.com/product-category/red-dot/), while the 10x top end offers increased target identification and precision for longer shots.

Precision-machined from high-grade materials, the optic delivers durability you can rely on in harsh field conditions. The illuminated reticle system ensures optimal visibility across varying light environments, from bright daylight to low-light engagements.

Key Features

• True 1-10x magnification range for maximum versatility

• Second focal plane illuminated reticle options

• Daylight-bright illumination settings

• Precision tracking turrets

• Durable, weather-resistant construction

• Designed for competition, tactical, and hunting applications

Reticle Options for Every Shooting Style

The addition of the PHR4 and G4 expands the versatility of the Thrive 1-10 platform. The PHR4 offers precise holdover and windage references for distance shooting, while the G4 provides a clean, intuitive aiming solution ideal for fast transitions and hunting scenarios. The RAR configuration delivers a balanced design optimized for rapid acquisition and practical field use.

The Thrive family continues to represent exceptional value without compromise, delivering dependable performance across a wide range of shooting disciplines. With the addition of the 1-10×24 LPVO models, ZeroTech further strengthens its commitment to providing shooters with high-performance optics engineered for real-world use.

For more information about ZeroTech Optics, visit: zerotechoptics.com

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TD Inc Lens Guard for the Aimpoint COA Optic

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

TangoDown® Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the Lens Guard for the Aimpoint® COA® optic (ACLG-001). The ACLG-001 is here to protect the front lens of your optic from damage.

The ACLG-001 is made of aerospace grade aluminum and finished with a Type III hard coat anodize. The lens guard easily attaches with the supplied screws and wrench. The guard mounts to the front of the optic only.

** The ACLG-001 only fits the Aimpoint® COA optics. Consult the Aimpoint® COA TDP for details.

**The ACLG-001 does NOT fit other Aimpoint® optics.

**Please read installation instructions prior to installation. If you’re not familiar with installing/modifying parts, please seek proper assistance.

For more information on the ACLG-001, visit: tangodown.com/aclg-001-lens-guard-for-aimpoint-coa

MSRP: $47

Customer Questions: sales@tangodown.com

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NODBOX BNVD Case

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

I first saw the Dev Cell NODBOX during last year’s DSEI in London. Platatac had a prototype at the show and I ended up getting one of the production versions right before SHOT Show.

NODBOX is an injection molded clamshell case for the AN/PVS-31A & C night vision goggle. Versions for other models are coming in the future.

Impact and crush resistant, it is made from injection-molded nylon with a bungee to hold it closed.

The sample I had seen had more of a spongy feel to it but the production version is more rigid and quite sturdy. It fit my BNVD like a glove with no rattling around and I am very pleased with it.

Available now in any color as long as it’s Tan from Platatac.

platatac.com/products/platatac-nodbox-bnvd-case

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Elbit America to Continue Delivering Night Vision Systems to USMC through 2027

Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle systems allow Marines superior situational awareness no matter where the mission takes place

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Jan. 28, 2026 – Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) received a delivery order valued at approximately $74.4 million for Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) systems from Marine Corps Systems Command. The SBNVG systems will be produced at the company’s facility in Roanoke, Virginia through 2027. The delivery order was placed under a multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract valued at roughly $500 million secured in 2023.

Elbit America’s lightweight SBNVG system is helmet-mounted and combines a binocular with high-performance white phosphor image intensification tubes. Equipped with an SBNVG, Marines benefit from unmatched situational awareness – no matter the type of mission or its duration.

“Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggles effectively boost the capabilities of our Marines, so they can make swift and smart decisions,” said Erik Fox, Senior Vice President of Elbit America’s Warfighter Systems Division. “Our SBNVGs incorporate white phosphor Gen 3 image intensification tubes, providing optimum resolution and clarity, along with the added benefits of thermal imagery and compass heading details projected into the goggle. Our system exceeds industry standards by design, and we’re proud to continue delivering this night vision system to benefit our nation’s Marines.”

“Receipt of this fourth delivery order under our contract with the U.S. Marine Corps indicates that Elbit America’s Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggles are providing the edge our forces need now,” said Luke Savoie, President and CEO of the company. “Our team is energized and honored by the confidence the Marines have placed in us and this critical technology.”

For more than 60 years, Elbit America has supported U.S. and allied forces with premier night vision solutions. The company is the world’s leading manufacturer of Gen 3 image intensifier technology and continues to work with its customers to expand night vision and vision-enhancing solutions, technologies, and resources. To date, Elbit America has delivered more than 25,000 SBNVGs to the U.S. Marine Corps.

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SHOT Show 26 – SIG SAUER OSCAR6 Spotting Scope with Mil Reticle

Monday, January 26th, 2026

During their Defense Range Day, SIG SAUER showed us a new variant of the OSCAR6 HDX PRO Spotting Scope equipped with a Mil Reticle.

This 20x fixed optic offers OmniScan™ Optical Image Stabilization Technology stabilization as well as diopter adjustment to accommodate individual vision.

In addition to a remote tape switch for the WARP laser there is a cage to mount the WARP above the optic.

The Weapons Attached Ranging Platform (WARP) SWIR uses 1550 nm SWIR wavelength (undetectable under NV) ranges 4,000 yd and includes environmental sensors and compass as well as embedded Applied Ballistics Elite software.

The new OSCAR6 will be available by the end of the year.

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SHOT Show 26 – FAST SideKar from UNITY Tactical

Monday, January 26th, 2026

UNITY Tactical’s new FAST SideKar is the best product I saw at SHOT Show. It’s simple, straight forward design updates and improves the M240 Medium Machine Gun and other similar platforms.

This optic and laser riser-style mount adds additional Picatinny rail space to the feed tray cover and moves the laser away from the barrel which is known to cause heat and cable issues. Instead, the laser is still mounted on its side but back near the optic on a 9 o’clock M1913 rail next to the optic. This new location will help speed up zeroing due to a reduced offset. But don’t worry, the laser isn’t emitting right over the top of the barrel. It remains offset to the side and the beam won’t be directly affected by the heat coming off the top of the barrel or indirectiy due to expansion of the mount beside the barrel.

No more long remote tape switches and no more heat damage to the laser from hot barrels. Additionally, the laser is not in the way in the event you’ve got to wrestle with a barrel during a swap.

An added benefit is that the mount acts as a riser offering a bit of additional height to make it easier to gain a sight picture while wearing PPE.

Made from 7075-T6 Aluminum, the SideKar is Type III Hardcoat Anodized.

It is my understanding a version is under development for the M250.

Available now! A unit can buy these and put them right to work.

unitytactical.com/fast-Sidekar

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The NOVA Binocular System from L3Harris: The Future Of Night Vision

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

The new L3Harris NOVA binocular system is ‘the every-soldier goggle’ – and the beginning of a new era for night-vision capability.

Today, direct combat forces gear up with advanced night-vision goggles for their missions. Going forward, L3Harris has a solution for the remaining complement of armed forces – the NOVA™ binocular system.

As armies globally are modernizing their foundational ground-force capabilities, equipping troops to be effective at all times of day and see at night is taking focus.

“We’re meeting the needs of the U.S. Army, militaries around the world and public safety officials by creating a system that delivers critical night-vision functions at scale,” said Brenna Baker, President of Integrated Vision Solutions, L3Harris. “The NOVA binocular system is the night-vision system this generation of warfighters will think of when someone says, ‘night vision.’”

“We’re meeting the needs of the U.S. Army, militaries around the world and public safety officials by creating a system that delivers critical night-vision functions at scale. The NOVA binocular system is the night-vision system this generation of warfighters will think of when someone says, ‘night vision.’”

– Brenna Baker, President of Integrated Vision Solutions, L3Harris

Owning the Night at Scale

The NOVA system is the commercial variant of L3Harris’s proposed Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD) system for the U.S. Army, according to Matt Lufkin, Lead, Product Management, L3Harris. Development of the device began in 2021 with a concerted focus on the Army’s chief considerations for a PVS-14 replacement: a low-cost binocular system that can be universally deployed with a common configuration.

“The Army wanted something that could stand the test of time, and this goggle does that,” said Lufkin. “The NOVA system’s design, centered around the integrated tube, is the future of night vision for us.”

While targeting a price point with which land forces can procure a NOVA system at scale, L3Harris’s newest night-vision goggle is not without the features customers come to expect. One of the biggest lifecycle cost reductions comes from the ease of maintenance and reduced downtime of the goggles. If, for instance, an image intensification tube requires replacement, the new USB-C interface means four screws are the only hurdle in swapping out the damaged components and having a functioning system back in the field.

A Complement to Advanced L3Harris Systems

L3Harris still expects Enhanced Night Vision Goggles – Binocular (ENVG-B) and Binocular Night Vision Devices (BNVD) – with enhanced features to identify threats, enhanced battery life and deep immersion thresholds – to be the advanced night-vision systems of choice for direct-combat and special operations forces for the foreseeable future. NOVA is the solution for the remainder of the force structure.

“The first to benefit from a NOVA system is the warfighter, border patrol agent or tactical officer who doesn’t have high-quality night vision,” said Lufkin. “NOVA binoculars are economical to purchase and own. It gives these professionals more military-grade capability than previously available.”

L3Harris is developing a technical roadmap for future versions in the NOVA line, including an enhanced version with a partial heads-up display, attached battery and increased immersion capacity.

www.l3harris.com

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Garmin Launches Xero L60i Laser Rangefinder

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

Garmin unveils revolutionary Xero L60i laser rangefinder with superior optics, GPS and onboard mapping technology

Mark targets with Laser Locate and maneuver to them using high-resolution digital mapping, augmented reality and advanced navigation features for an immersive visual experience

OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 20, 2026/ Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) is taking laser rangefinding capabilities to new horizons with the Xero® L60i. This GNSS-enabled rangefinding monocular combines premium optics with advanced technology and state-of-the-art sensors for an unparalleled rangefinding experience. With Xero L60i, users get a sharp, bright view through augmented reality technology that overlays graphics in full color, including distance, maps, navigation and more—all while ranging targets out to 3600 meters through 7X magnification.

See the Xero L60i laser rangefinder in action

“Xero L60i is a groundbreaking rangefinder that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for rangefinding technology. Combining superior optic quality, robust mapping and integrated navigation features like Laser Locate, Sensor Locate and Visual Recall, Xero L60i represents what Garmin does best – integrating revolutionary new technology with rugged devices – to give hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, SAR teams and more the tools they can depend on to enhance their outdoor experience.”
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

The Xero L60i difference

The Xero L60i is the first and only laser rangefinder with onboard map-based GPS navigational capabilities and a high resolution, multi-color display overlaid into superior optics. This enables features such as:

Digital Mapping: View current and ranged locations marked on topographic mapping and use the Xero L60i to navigate to them.

Smart Integration: Waypoints can be shared to the Garmin Explore™ App on a compatible smartphone, then shared to a compatible Garmin handheld or wearable device using the Garmin Share functionality.

Laser Locate™: Leverage the range taken, along with compass heading and GPS coordinates, to project a waypoint on the display, then navigate to the waypoint through directional cues.

Sensor Locate: When the desired object is too far to range, built-in GPS, compass, inclinometer and mapping can calculate and project a waypoint of the intended target, allowing estimated ranges to targets several miles away.

Visual Recall: When moving to a new vantage point after ranging, use on-screen cues to steer your visual field back to a previously marked waypoint.

Superior optics

Purpose-built to give users the highest quality optical experience, Xero L60i features fully multicoated, low-dispersion glass, which provides razor-sharp optics with a flat field of view, accurate color fidelity and superior light transmission. The 32mm objective lens was intentionally chosen to provide a generous exit pupil, low-light performance, and superior field of view. During dawn or dusk use, an ambient light sensor automatically controls display brightness, ensuring the visual scene remains clear.

Precise long-distance ranging

Range animals to 2,775 meters and trees to 3,600. In optimal low-light conditions, the Xero L60i makes it possible to reach as far as 7,000 meters to retro reflective objects while achieving accuracy of +/- .25 meters under 1,000 meters and +/- 1 meter out to maximum laser-ranged distances.

Onboard ballistics

Get access to the onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralight™solvervia the AB Quantum app for all the data needed to make the perfect shot. Thanks to the GPS positioning, temperature, compass, and barometric sensors, the Xero L60i delivers an accurate ballistic solution for short- and long-range shooting, including the effect of Coriolis on the point of impact. Change profiles, setup target cards, and more, all with a few button taps. Archers will appreciate the all-new arrow ballistics solver, which provides details on angle compensated range, max arrow height, and the arrow entry angle at the target.

The Xero L60i is built to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions with an IPX7 water-resistance rating and runs on two AAA lithium batteries. See it on display at the Garmin booth, #10119, during SHOT Show 2026. It’s available now for $2,499.99.

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