Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category
Nightforce Optics Catalog 2014
Friday, December 20th, 2013Regulated Emission Collimated Ocular Interruption Laser from BE Meyers
Tuesday, November 19th, 2013The GLARE Regulated Emission Collimated Ocular Interruption Laser (RECOIL) is BE Meyers’ entry for the Marine Corps’ Ocular Interrupter Program, a weapon borne non-lethal laser that delivers a bright beam of light that produces a dazzling or glare effect on a closing target to warn and/or suppress potential threats through increasing levels of visual degradation.
It features constant EyeSafe technology that delivers the precise amount of laser light to the target no matter if they are as close as 0 meters or as far out as 2,000 meters. That right amount is as determined by the standard irradiance guidelines established by US Navy S&T. It does this by determining the distance to the target and raising or lowering the irradiance (power of the beam) based on that distance. This means constant maximum allowable power on target and constant safe power and target.
If you are familiar with other Escalation Of Force devices you know that they are long and resemble a light saber. Some of these are difficult to adapt to a weapon. The GLARE RECOIL is Mil Std 1913 compatible with a built-in throw lever attachment and is rectangular with a similar size to an AN/PEQ-15. It is powered by 3 x CR123A batteries. The thing that I was most excited about was the new cover. You may notice in the top photo the rectangular lens. The cover rotates 360 degrees and can be lowered into place to protect the lens or spun up and out of the way for use. It has small detent stops so it will not spin uncontrolled. I really like the aesthetic and it gives the device a smooth look.
While it was developed to support the USMC JNLWD Ocular Interrupter Program, GLARE RECOIL is based on proven technology already fielded in over 35,000 EoF products. What’s more, it’s available now for for sale to approved US entities (i.e. DoD) per DoD and/or FDA regulations), or to an approved foreign entity per DoS/DTSA regulations.
Dual Bridge for Mini N/SEAS Monocular
Friday, November 15th, 2013Next week at Milipol, N-Vision Optics will introduce the newly released Dual Bridge for Mini N/SEAS Monocular. N-Vision Optics Dual Bridge allows the connection of two Mini N/SEAS monoculars to form a dual tube binocular system. The Dual Bridge features a modular design allowing the night vision system to be used in single or double tube configuration. The Dual Bridge is compatible with Norotos or Wilcox PVS-15 type non-magnetic helmet mounts.
The combined binocular provides increased depth perception over a single tube unit and allows for individual movement of each monocular. The Dual Bridge gives the operator an option to seamlessly transition from binocular to monocular. Additionally, when flipped up, each monocular stows along the contour of the helmet thereby eliminating the “NOD-Smack” damage from doorframes of vehicles and buildings. The auto shut off function of the Dual Bridge will automatically power off each individual monocular if they are moved out of the way or flipped up. Unlike competitor products, N-Vision Optics’ unique design allows the operator to set inter-pupillary adjustments in the binocular mode, as well as use all functions of the Dual Bridge, without needing any tools.
AUSA – DI Optical USA
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013DI Optical USA is the US subsidiary of South Korean firm DI Optical. They are the main supplier of scopes for the South Korean Army and their machine gun optics are being looked at by several organizations here within the US. I spoke with Vice President Michael Beltrane about the company.
But the big story is that DI Optics USA will be going commercial at SHOT Show for both here domestically and internationally.
This photo serves only as a preview of the classes of optics they will be unveiling. If anything, what you see here will only be more compact next time you see it. Of particular interest to me is the middle optic which is larger than an MRDS but smaller than what most of us consider a micro sight. Beltrane told me he plans on releasing five models that range from a mini red dot all the way up to a rifleman’s optic. Additionally, they will be offering a 3x magnifier and they have already identified a mount for the magnifier from a major mount manufacturer.
Rear Aperture Pistol Sight for GLOCK Pistols
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013I am posting this with the best of intentions but as I haven’t seen a ghost ring for a pistol in ages, I am hoping to foster some discussion about the merits of the concept. However, I am fully aware that this could go off the rails unless we choose to be constructive and discuss the pros and cons.
Last night I ran across the Rear Aperture Pistol Sight or RAPS for GLOCK pistols being offered by White Raven Communications. Admittedly, I haven’t used it. On one hand, I’m intrigued with the concept considering the current rage of putting MIni Red dot Sights on pistols. Let’s face it, pistol recoil beats the heck out of the MRDS so maybe there’s something to the RAPS. On the other hand, I’m not sure that I’m going to be able to focus on my front sight. Is the RAPS a true ghost ring and if so, will the ring “ghost”?
According to White Raven Communications, RAPS was specifically designed for the following:
Beginner pistol shooters – Provides improved sight picture and sight alignment
Advanced pistol shooters – Fast and intuitive sight alignment, sight picture, and target awareness
Home Defense – Ease of use when under duress
Low Light Situations – Large rear aperture enables quick pickup of front sight
Easy Installation – Nearly anyone with just a few tools can remove factory sights and install the RAPS.
But, they do note that the RAPS isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair.
This sight should not be used for competitive shooting where finite accuracy is required. This sight is for close range, self defense, and home defense at ranges out to 10 to 15 meters. Due to the design and the large rear aperture, extreme accuracy is hard to achieve at ranges of 25 meters and beyond.
So what do you think? Has anyone used RAPS or another ghost ring sight on a pistol?
BE Meyers Night Demo
Thursday, September 12th, 2013DSEi – Sako
Thursday, September 12th, 2013
DSEi – Wilcox Industries
Thursday, September 12th, 2013The Weapon Video Display from Wilcox is a component of the DUES system Dynamic Universal Engagement System consisting of a Day Optic, a Camera, WVS, Thermal Sight (not shown) and mounting solution. You can easily switch between day and thermal inputs and it essentially turns your thermal sight into a reflex sight.
Designed for use with crew served weapons, it allows you to remote your sights so you can engage targets even from under cover. Additionally, the WVS stabilizes the image even under full auto fire on a M2. The camera can be swung out of the way in the event you want to use the day optic directly.
Wilcox has been manufacturing weapon displays for 8 years and this product is a technology transition from a TSWG program. Over the years they have upgraded the device by improving the daytime use of the backlit screen and integrating multiple reticals. Additionally, there is a bore sight function that allows you to quickly slave the WVS to the actual weapon sight.
