SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

Forward Controls Design Expands Pistol Optic Plate Lineup

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

Forward Controls Design is excited to announce new additions to the OPF (Optics Plate, Forward Controls) family of optics plates. Forward Controls Design supports factory-milled slides, as they provide a standardized mounting solution for a wide variety of optics that users can choose to mount on their handguns.

FCD primarily develops and produces plates for LE and MIL authorized and issued pistols, and supports optics made in USA and allied countries.  OPF-G, RMR started shipping in March of 2020 and, within months, these plates became known as the best plates for Glock MOS and RMR, FCD has been delivering these hard use products to LE, MIL, and civilian customers ever since.

FCD’s plates focus on three criterias: A design that can hold the optics immobile before the sight to plate screws are installed and torqued to spec (for optics with screws installed from the top, such as RMR, SRO, and RMR HD), tight tolerances, and material. All of which must be met for a product made for LE and MIL applications.

Machined by shops in Texas and Idaho, FCD only uses US sourced 4140 steel with tight tolerances exceeding that of the pistol manufacturers. OPF optics plates provide secure mounting for optics that can maintain zero through drops, one hand loading/reloading manipulations, and battery changes (RMR).

You can see the chart here.

In August, we have added additional plates for the Heckler & Koch VP9, Staccato, and the FN 509T. For a complete list of all OPFs organized by handgun and optic, see the chart below. As always, these products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.

forwardcontrolsdesign.com

ZeroTech Optics Introduces the Thrive HD Micro Reflex Optic: Setting New Standards in Reliability and Durability

Monday, September 18th, 2023

Nashville, TN – ZeroTech Optics, a leader in optical innovation, proudly unveils its latest masterpiece – the Thrive HD Micro Reflex Optic (THDM21). This state-of-the-art addition to the ZeroTech range is not just another optic; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to reliability, durability, and cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of the Thrive HD Compact Reflex sight is the advanced shake awake technology. This ensures that the optic is always ready on demand, eliminating the need for manual activation. Whether you’re in a high-pressure situation or simply out for a leisurely day at the range, the Thrive HD ensures it’s always ready to go when you are.

One of the standout features of the Thrive HD is its unparalleled durability. Designed to withstand the harshest conditions, this optic is recoil proof, waterproof, and fog-proof. Whether you’re in torrential rain, dense fog, or rough terrains, the Thrive HD promises unwavering performance.

Built on the RMSc footprint, the Thrive HD Micro Reflex seamlessly mounts to all RMSc compatible firearms and mount interfaces. This ensures that users have a wide range of compatibility options, further emphasizing the optic’s versatility.

Key Features Include:
Magnification: 1x with an objective lens size of 21mm
• Reticle: Crisp 3 MOA Red Dot.
• Brightness Settings: 10 adjustable settings for diverse environments.
• Durability: Recoil proof, waterproof, and fog-proof
• Battery Life: A staggering max of 150,000 hours, powered by a CR2032 battery.
• Lens Coating: Multi-coated for clear and sharp visuals.
• Operational Temperature: Robust performance from -4°F to + 158°F (-20°c to +70°c)
• Dimensions & Weight: Compact design with L: 1.6” (40.55mm), H: 0.86” (21.95mm), and a weight of approx. 0.67oz (19 grams) including battery.

See the Reflex in action…

The Thrive HD Compact Reflex Optic is not just an optic; it’s a promise of reliability, durability, and unmatched performance for your every day carry pistol. ZeroTech Optics continues to push the boundaries of optical technology, and the Thrive HD line of Reflex optics are an example of their dedication to delivering on what our users demand from an optic.

New R3D 2.0 and Minimalist Tritium Night Sights for SIG SAUER, Springfield Armory, and FN Pistols

Friday, September 15th, 2023

Fort Worth, Texas (September 12, 2023) – XS® Sights now offers its new, second-generation R3D 2.0 and Minimalist tritium night sights in standard and suppressor-height for select SIG SAUER, Springfield Armory, and FN pistols.

R3D 2.0 Tritium Night Sights

These new and improved second-generation tritium self-defense sights are brighter, stronger, and even easier to install than the original R3D models. Designed for improved speed and accuracy in any light, the R3D 2.0 features a notch and post design with two rear tritium dots and a high-contrast, Orange or Green dual-illuminated Glow Dot front sight that is wider than many on the market at 0.145”. The Glow Dot’s self-luminous tritium vile glows in low or no light for 12 years and is surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent dot material that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. This makes the front sight brighter than the two rear tritium dots and, combined with the wide notch, provides more visible indexing for increased precision and accuracy.

R3D 2.0 improvements over the Gen-1 models include:

• Bigger and brighter rear tritium dots

• PVC rings surround the rear tritium dots for a more defined edge to improve sight picture and differentiate the front and rear sights

• EasyPress features eliminate the need for filing and hammering and reduce the force needed for installation by up to 50%.

• BlackNitride finish with double the corrosion resistance of the original black oxide surface treatment for increased durability.

Retail Price: $131.99 Standard Height,  $142.99 Suppressor Height

Minimalist Night Sights

The Minimalist Night Sights are equipped with a self-illuminating tritium, Orange or Green Glow Dot front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. Designed to be as minimalist as possible, this sight drives focus to the front sight. The dual-illuminated Glow Dot front sight features a self-luminous tritium vile surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well against the blacked-out rear in bright light conditions.

Retail Price: $59.99 Standard Height, $69.99 Suppressor Height

R3D 2.0 and Minimalist Night Sights both feature a rear sight ledge for one-handed racking of the slide and are available with Orange or Green Glow Dot front sight in standard or suppressor-height models for the following pistols:

SIG SAUER

P320, P365, P225, P226, P228, P229, SP2009, SP2340, X-Macro, X-Compact, P365XL

Springfield Armory

XD, XD-M, XD-S, XD-S MOD.2, XD-E, Hellcat

FN

509

All XS sights are backed by a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. The company also offers a 12-year warranty on all tritium products and a limited lifetime warranty on all other products. For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

DSEI 23 – Thales Lithgow Arms F90D

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

Thales Lithgow Arms has unveiled their new F90D which is also available for their Australian Combat Assault Rifle as the D Model. The D designation is for digital.

The heart of this new capability is a network sighting system which uses the Thales Squad Net radio for communications.

It uses a laser to designate an item of interest on the battlespace. Because the rifle knows where it is, and what direction the weapon is pointed, it triangulates the “target” and allows the user to characterize it as friendly, enemy, or target of interest. The system is Laser agnostic and will work with most on the market.

The information collected by the system is then shared with the squad (and others if desired). This includes friendly information so that if you sight on a target, you will know if it is friendly or not. The information is shown on the sight as you can see here. I’ve looked at it and it’s clear to the eye.

The battery is contained in the buttstock. Here you can see the version for the ACAR.

Here you can see the hub used on the ACAR for power and data. It is Picatinny compatible.

The team is continuing to work on integrating additional sensor inputs.

EOTECH Selected to Supply the Polish Ministry of Defense via a Multi-Year Contract

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

Plymouth, MI (September 2023) – EOTECH, the leading manufacturer of Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS), Magnifiers and other electro-optic solutions has recently been awarded a multi-year contract to fulfill its EXPS3 HWS and G33 Magnifier to the Polish Ministry of Defense for use on the MSBS GROT weapon systems. 

While Poland has been a staunch supporter of the EOTECH brand for years, “This contract represents a continued level of confidence between EOTECH and the Armed Forces within Poland. The Polish government has always been a strong partner to EOTECH for use in the defense of their sovereign nation and that of its surrounding allies” said Andy Gann, Business Development Manager for Europe. “It is EOTECH’s intent to ensure the Polish Warfighter has the confidence to engage the enemy combatant with any of their individual weapons if they are challenged to do so.” Gann went on to say, “We must also acknowledge the efforts of our in-country partner too, who did an amazing job promoting and supporting the EOTECH brand to the Polish MoD, as it is very much a group effort to get success like this across the finish line”. 

EOTECH is represented in Poland by Griffin Group Defence. “Griffin Group aims to only provide best-in-class, proven and relevant solutions to the Polish Government for consideration” said a Griffin Group representative. “It was an honor to have worked with EOTECH and provide our MoD with their equipment needs for defense of our National Security. We have every confidence in the quality of the EOTECH product line and look forward to supporting our MoD now and into the future”. 

The Polish MoD can expect first deliveries of their EOTECH Weapon Sighting Solutions, in excess of 10,000 units, beginning in Q4 of 2023 and healthily into late 2025. For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com

ZERO-R Slaps from Black Hills Designs

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

Pre-combat checks (PCC) are some of the most important, yet neglected fundamentals of being combat effective. When you bring your rifle to a fight and there is nothing to aim with, who is going to foot the bill? This goes for lights, lasers, NODS, thermals and all the other cool guy gadgets that takes some level of consumable or require a zero. The ZERO-R slaps are a way to help bring your attention to the mission readiness state of your equipment.

Use the Black Hills Designs ZERO-R as a quick way to verify the last time you performed a zero, verified batteries, serviced the weapon or any other number of sensitive maintenance tasks. 

www.blackhillsdesigns.net/product/zero-r-5-slap

Aimpoint – Supplier of Red Dot Sights to the Alternative Individual Weapon System to UK MOD

Friday, September 8th, 2023

MALMÖ, Sweden – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been chosen to deliver mini red dot sights to the Alternative Individual Weapon System, designated L403A1 to UK MOD, via our exclusive UK distributor Edgar Brothers.

The AIW will consist of three elements including the rifle system L403A1, the optic system L900A1, and the training system. As part of the optic system, Aimpoint will supply the ACRO® P-2 red dot sight.

Built to exceed the requirements of the users, the ACRO series sights have been tested and proven to withstand the extreme shock, vibration, temperatures, and material stresses generated by firing over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition. Primarily designed for use on handguns, the ACRO next generation can also be mounted on carbines, shotguns and hunting rifles or utilized as a backup sight on magnified scopes and thermal imagers. These versatile optics are night vision compatible and are the ultimate solution for extremely rugged, low-profile, compact sighting needs.

“We at Aimpoint are extremely proud to be part of this Hunter project that pushes the limits of innovation for the modern personal weapon system. We trust our distributor Edgar Brother to bring the system into service alongside DE&S in a very professional way, and that our product will contribute to the success of the AIW by enhancing soldiers’ capabilities to effectively perform their mission. “ – Erik Jeppsson, Sales & Marketing Director Aimpoint.

As the Prime Contractor and UK distributors, Edgar Brothers will supply the equipment to UK MOD.

For more information, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.com.

Vortex Introduced the Razor HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope

Monday, September 4th, 2023

Built to seamlessly fit the packs of today’s weight-wary, backcountry hunters.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – When every ounce counts, this tag-filling machine gives advanced hunters every tool they need in the compact package they demand. Sacrifice nothing with the Razor® HD 13-39×56.

Every ounce matters on long backcountry hunts, where the terrain and the elements can make each step a slog. But hunters are not willing to sacrifice exceptional performance to save on weight. For them, the Razor® HD 13-39×56 spotting scope is the ideal solution, blending premium optics and a compact form factor.

Glassing on the move doesn’t get any better. At just 10.4″ long and 28.6 oz. for the angled model (11.1″ and 29.5 oz. for the straight), the Razor® HD 13-39×56 fits your pack and the way you hunt. Rapid deployment is a snap thanks to a compact, snag-free design highlighted by a helical focus wheel, giving you total control over this spotter’s wide field of view.

•  HD Optical System Delivers brilliant edge-to-edge color and clarity in all light conditions.

•  Compact Design Incredibly packable without sacrificing optical performance.

•  Helical Focus Snag-free for faster, easier packing and mounting.

•  Arca-Swiss Compatibility Fits most tripods out-of-the-box for mount-and-go convenience.

•  Wide Field of View Perfect for covering vast landscapes.

The Razor® HD 13-39×56 also advances the premium optical experience hunters expect from the Razor® HD line. The HD optical system is further augmented by XR™ Plus lens coatings, which provide maximum light transmission for peak clarity and the very best low-light performance. All of that is protected by a rugged build to stand up to the bumps and bruises of backcountry hunts.

Razor® HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope Angled 
MSRP: $1,299.99
MAP: $999.99

Razor® HD 13-39×56 Spotting Scope Straight
MSRP: $1,299.99
MAP: $999.99