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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

Bushnell Announces New Best-In-Class Engage Optics Line at 2017 NRA Show

Friday, April 28th, 2017

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OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – April 27, 2017 – Bushnell, an industry leader in high-performance optical solutions for more than 65 years, announces a new line of high-quality, performance-driven optics for modern hunters and shooters. The new Engage riflescopes and binoculars represent the latest evolution in Bushnell optics.

“The Engage line is built to outperform all other comparable scopes and binoculars and completely dominate the elements,” said Curtis Smith Global Product Director for Bushnell. “The only sure thing about any environment is that it will change, but Engage optics were built from the inside out to deliver world-class performance every time, in every condition.”

Engage scopes and binoculars boast fully multi-coated glass that captures bright, clear images while preventing glare and actively repelling water, oil, dust and debris. The new
EXO Barrier is the absolute best protective lens coating technology Bushnell has ever developed. Added at the end of the coating process, EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to the lens and fills microscopic pores in the glass. The result is an ultra-slick coating that repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris. Rain, snow, fingerprints and dirt will not stick. Plus, the bonded coating will not fade from the passage of time or normal wear and tear.

Engage riflescopes feature a new look, upgraded features and a brand new Deploy MOA reticle that offers 1-MOA windage and elevation hashmarks. Dialing in these scopes is easier than ever with several configurations featuring Toolless Zero Reset Locking Turrets.

Available in nine configurations from 2-7x36mm up to 6-24x50mm, all Engage riflescopes feature Butler Creek Flip Caps, the new Deploy MOA Reticle and Bushnell’s new Ironclad Warranty. Five models feature a 1-inch tube and low-profile, capped elevation and windage turrets. An additional four models boast rugged 30mm tubes and the new Toolless Zero Reset Locking Turrets.

“Engage scopes offer a full suite of the modern features hunters and shooters are looking for,” said Greg Palkowitsh, Riflescope Product Manager. “The Deploy Reticle and Zero Reset Targets give shooters all the confidence they need for mid- to long-range shots.”

Adding to this best-in-class optic line, Engage also includes premium binoculars. Like the riflescopes, Engage binoculars are backed with the all-weather assurance of Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier that repels dirt, debris, oil and moisture.

With four configurations from 8x42mm to 12x50mm, these stunning binoculars feature fully multi-coated optics to offer maximum brightness and clarity, and a lightweight and rugged chassis. ED Prime Glass ensures razor-sharp images while the PC-3 Phase Coating enhances resolution and contrast.

“The image is bright, clear and sharp thanks to ED Prime Glass and our dielectric phase-coated prisms,” said Steve Smith, Binocular Product Manager. “But these are rugged binoculars, too. The chassis is built to take a beating, and a locking diopter permanently secures the desired focus setting, so you can maintain focus and quickly engage what’s ahead.”

The new line will be unveiled at the 2017 NRA Meetings and Exhibits Show in Atlanta, Georgia, April 27 to 30. All attendees are encouraged to stop by the Bushnell booth (#2542) during the Show to visit their favorite celebrities and learn more about the Engage Optics line and all of the latest products offered by Bushnell.

“No matter which Engage you choose,” Curtis Smith added, “you’ll get best-in-class performance at no risk with the Bushnell’s new Ironclad Warranty. Dollar for dollar these optics will outperform every competitor!”

Bushnell, a Vista Outdoor brand, is one of the most recognizable and trusted names in precision hunting, tactical and recreational optics and accessories. For more information, visit www.bushnell.com.

Leupold Adds to Thermal Optics Line with Handheld LTO-Quest

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

During SHOT Show, Leupold introduced the LTO-Tracker, a monocular-style, handheld thermal camera intended primarily for the hunting market. Due to its low cost and simple operation, it didn’t take long for LE professionals as well as search and rescue teams to show interest. During a recent writers event at the High Bar Homestad in Wyoming, I had the opportunity to check out the LTO-Tracker as well as the new LTO-Quest. While you employ the LTO-Tracker like a monocular, the LTO-Quest reminds me of the bug tracker feom ‘Aliens’. You point it at your objective and look down at a screen.

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(The item on the screen is a suppressor)

I really like the temperature readout and the eight filters are easy to browse through in order to find the best contrast for the situation. I also appreciate the ability to collect screen captures. It’s a cool product and definitely worth checking out.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc. introduces the latest in its line of Leupold® Thermal Optics, the LTO-Quest™.

This pocket-sized thermal optic helps hunters find downed game, track blood trails and increase situational awareness. The LTO-Quest provides a precise temperature reading of the object being scanned and displays it on the screen. In addition to showing heat sources, the LTO-Quest has a built-in flashlight and camera which allows you to capture and store as many as 2,000 images.

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“Leupold works closely with hunters to develop products to help them be more effective in the field,” said Tim Lesser, vice president of product development for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The LTO-Quest gives hunters a pocket-sized tool to help recover game that may otherwise have been lost.”

Cycle through the eight color filters using a simple three-button interface. An internal, rechargeable battery delivers four hours of run time, and uses a standard micro USB for charging and image downloads.

A built-in flashlight offers user-adjustable power settings that can be set to meet the needs of the hunter. With a maximum output of 300 lumens, the LTO-Quest provides plenty of power to help locate game or find paths to stands and blinds.

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Featuring a generous 2.4″ LCD screen, the LTO-Quest provides a 20-degree field of view with a 300-yard detection range. The 15hz display offers smooth images and is easy to view in all lighting conditions.

Sized to fit in a pocket or small pouch, the LTO-Quest is a lightweight powerhouse that belongs in every hunter’s pack. In addition to afield, the LTO-Quest is a great tool for everything from keeping an eye on property, examining energy efficiency around the home, or checking mechanical equipment for heat issues.

For more information on Leupold products, please visit us at www.leupold.com.

Join the discussion on Facebook, www.facebook.com/LeupoldOptics, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LeupoldOptics or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/LeupoldOptics.

Aimpoint Celebrity Booth Appearances at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Wednesday, April 26th, 2017

Manassas, VA – April 26, 2017 – Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in reflex sight technology, is proud to announce five celebrity guest appearances in their booth at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, GA, April 28-30.

Aimpoint sights have been chosen by hunters, sport shooters, and professional end-users for over 40 years. This wide spectrum is represented with this year’s guest appearances in the Aimpoint booth #1410 at the NRA Annual Meetings. Returning to the Aimpoint booth are Craig Boddington, renowned hunter, conservationist, and author whose hunting experience spans the globe and Larry Vickers, retired US Army 1st SFOD- Delta combat veteran who now travels the nation as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. Celebrities joining Aimpoint this year for the first time are John “Tig” Tiegen, Tatiana Whitlock, and Chris Parrish.

Co-Author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi, John “Tig” Tiegen is prominently known for his heroism and bravery during the US Embassy attack in Benghazi on September 11, 2012. He was the most experienced Annex Security Team member for CIA’s GRS and played an essential part of the rapid response to the terrorist attack when Islamic militants attacked the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

Tatiana Whitlock is a nationally recognized firearms instructor, martial arts practitioner, and subject matter expert writer for many firearms related publications. Tatiana has a powerful presence and influential voice in the firearms education and defensive training industry. Mother of two, she is a proud member of the NRA and is a featured instructor on NRATV’s NRA Women, Tips & Tactics, and NRA New Energy, as well as Trigger Time TV and Panteao Productions.

Chris Parrish, outdoor personality and World Champion competitive caller, will provide turkey call tips and techniques as well as hunting strategies during four 30-minute sessions at the Aimpoint booth. Parrish is also the engineer behind legendary Knight & Hale game calls and will give away call packages each day.

www.aimpoint.com

Nightforce Optics To Exhibit At 2017 NRA Annual Meetings

Wednesday, April 26th, 2017

Nightforce® Optics, Inc., is excited to announce their exhibition at the 2017 National Rifle Association Annual Meetings (NRAAM) in Atlanta, GA.

On hand will be the line-up of premium optics and accessories, including several new for 2017 items such as the ATACR 7-35×56 F1 riflescope, Mil-C reticle and the lightweight, carbon fiber tripod. Also on hand for Saturday and Sunday will be hunting personality Sportswoman Courtney, talking about her experiences in the field with Nightforce riflescopes and signing autographs. If you find yourself at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit booth #831 to learn more about Nightforce.

The 2017 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits features more than 15 acres of the most spectacular displays of firearms, shooting and hunting accessories in the world, drawing tens of thousands of Second Amendment supporters, NRA members and shooting sports enthusiasts from across the nation.

Nightforce is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sport optics and related products, including riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories. We are known for our rugged, high-precision engineered designs that are capable of holding up to punishing conditions. Based in Orofino, Idaho, Nightforce has established a benchmark for high-quality, high- performance products that have accompanied soldiers into battle, world champion shooters to the winner’s podium, and helped hunters take the trophy of a lifetime.

www.nightforceoptics.com

Warrior West – Tactical Electronics Launches CORE Product Line

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017

Tactical Electronics has been in business since 1999 and is well known for their under the door camera commonly used by SWAT teams. Over time they have refined their technology and introduced new products, leading to the introduction of the new modular, CORE system which consists of two grip options and four camera heads. The user mixes and matches the components for the intended application.


The Grip holds the electronics and the heads are used for different applications. Grips are the CORE Grip and the CORE Pole Grip. Both accept any of the heads (the Pole Grip doesn’t accept the articulating head). Integrated into the CORE Grip is an eye piece for up close work. Additionally, there is a wrist mounted monitor, for wireless remote viewing, which relies on digital encrypted radio for the link.

Heads offered are CORE Flex Camera, CORE Under Door Camera, CORE Pole Camera and Articulating Scope.


In addition to color or B/W images, Tactical Electronics also offers a thermal image. However, they’ve now introduced an overlay mode, similar to I2/Thermal fusion, which provides outlines of objects unto the thermal image. In the graphic above, you can see what the thermal image looks like alone, and then below, how it looks in overlay mode.  The enhancement is striking.  

Available now from www.tacticalelectronics.com.

Nightforce Optics To Exhibit At 2017 ADS Warrior West

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017

Nightforce® Optics, Inc., is proud to announce their participation at the 2017 ADS Warrior West show in San Diego, CA.

Staff from the MIL-GOV-LE department of Nightforce will be on hand to exhibit Nightforce products and answer questions from attendees. Visit booth 1114 to learn more about Nightforce riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories available for today’s warfighters and law enforcement personnel.

Nightforce® is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sport optics and related products, including riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories. We are known for our rugged, high-precision engineered designs that are capable of holding up to punishing conditions. Based in Orofino, Idaho, Nightforce® has established a benchmark for high-quality, high- performance products that have accompanied soldiers into battle, world champion shooters to the winner’s podium, and helped hunters take the trophy of a lifetime.

www.nightforceoptics.com

SCALARWORKS Launches Aimpoint Micro Mount for Benelli Shotguns

Wednesday, April 12th, 2017

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Easton, PA – April 11, 2017 – Scalarworks, manufacturer of high-performance firearm accessories, is pleased to introduce the Sync mount for Aimpoint Micro sights. The Sync is a low-profile optic mount that features an integral platform for the Aimpoint Micro line of red dot sights – as well as Micro compatible clones.

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The Sync allows an Aimpoint Micro sight to be co-witnessed without obstructing one’s sight picture, and is the only optic mount for shotguns to be attached with 4 screws, thanks to our proprietary key-slot internal mounting system (Patent pending). The Sync is CNC milled from ultra high-strength 7075-T6 Hard coat anodized Aluminum, and weighs a mere 0.69oz (including custom CNC turned fasteners).

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The Sync is compatible with all factory drilled and tapped Benelli shotguns, as well as most other shotguns with some gunsmithing. A drill and tap guide is available for download on our website.

The Sync is made in the USA, includes a limited lifetime warranty, and is available now from Scalarworks.com.

To learn more about the Scalarworks Sync; please visit scalarworks.com/shop/sync-micro

3rd Group’s USASOC Sniper Comp Winners Rely On Wilcox RAPTAR-S, Again

Monday, April 10th, 2017

Congratulations to the 3rd SFG(A) team for their second-year-in-a-row 1st place finish at the challenging USASOC Sniper Competition last month at Ft Bragg, NC. The competition was heavy. They beat out 23 other teams, including international competitors, across 19 events.

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Last year the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams all relied on the RAPTAR-S from Wilcox Industries. This year, not only did the two-time overall winners choose the RAPTAR-S, so did seven of the 10 top placing teams. As you can see, it wasn’t just US teams using the RAPTAR-S, but allied as well, and they showed very well. In fact, of the 23 teams in the comp, 10 used the RAPTAR-S.

This year’s top 10 teams standings:
1. 3rd SFG (RAPTAR-S) ** TWO YEARS IN A ROW**
2. Netherlands (RAPTAR-S)
3. 1st SFG
4. Germany (RAPTAR-S)
5. 3rd SFG (RAPTAR-S)
6. USASOC (RAPTAR-S)
7. 10th SFG (RAPTAR-S)
8. 5th SFG
9. USASOC (RAPTAR-S)
10. Ireland

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The RAPTAR-S is quite versatile. It incorporates an Infra-red (IR) laser, visible laser, IR flood and laser range finder (LRF) the RAPTAR-S. It also incorporates an Applied Ballistics computer created by their partner nVisti Tactical Innovation which specializes in the field of small arms fire control systems with expertise in laser range finders, ballistics, wind measurement and digital imaging. Through nVisti’s partnership with Applied Ballistics and Accuracy 1st, the company has been responsible for the development and integration of the ballistics, firmware and software for the RAPTAR-S weapon-mounted laser range finder.

The solver’s computations achieve nearly the accuracy of a full 6 degree of freedom model using a three degree of freedom (3DOF) modified point mass numerical solver considering all environmental conditions including average cross-wind or a cross-wind profile. It accounts for all major and minor trajectory variables including the use of measured G7 BC’s and even the option to use custom drag curves for over 400 bullets. The output is shown in MILs, MOAs, or even an ACOG BDC reticle. Included within the system is a ballistic calibration feature allows user to ‘train’ the software to match a specific rifle based on observed impacts at long range. Combined with the over 400 custom measured bullet drag curves (available for syncing via Android or PC), shooters have everything the need to make a much more precise trajectory calculation than any other software available.

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Included within the RAPTAR-S, the Applied Ballistics solver measures temperature, pressure, humidity, inclination, cant, heading to the target, and GPS coordinates. By using these sensor readings and the custom drag curves, the solver is capable of producing ballistic solutions that are accurate to within 0.1 mils through the subsonic range of the bullet’s flight.

The ballistic data can be exported to most mobile devices or paired with BAE thermal sights as well as the UTC SWIR HWH-SMS camera. In the case of the latter two systems, the RAPTAR-S provides a ballistic solution to the disturbed reticle.

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While generally attached directly to the weapon, it can also be attached to spotting scopes or any other Mil STD 1913 rail. In fact, many users prefer a mounted solution over handheld LRFs. Users raved about the performance with such comments as, “Can’t win without it” and noted their faster engagement times due to the Applied Ballistics software mated with the Kestrel.

The RAPTAR-S wasn’t the only LRF used in the competition. There were also STORM SLXe, STORM SLX, STORM PI, and RULR devices in use with the various competitors. LRFs are one of the best ways to maintain an edge in competition and in the field. Right now, it seems that the RAPTAR-S is the leader of the pack.

www.wilcoxind.com/RAPTAR-S