Primary Arms

Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) – Digital Projection Close Quarters Sight (DP-CQS)

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

This upcoming USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research topic is pretty exciting.

The objective of Digital Projection Close Quarters Sight (DP-CQS) is to develop applied research toward an innovative solution that will provide a compact, close-quarters sight that has multiple user-selectable and user-configurable ballistic reticles, while eliminating mechanical adjustors to improve system stability under thermal and mechanical shock by utilizing a digital screen projected onto a transparent surface for the user to look/aim through.

On 01 April, SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the DP-CQS area of interest. Soon after, on 10 April 2024 12:00 PM ET (Noon), submissions will open.

As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications to innovatively design a 1x (non-magnified) direct view optic that projects a digital screen/reticle onto a transparent surface for the operator to look/aim through. The DP-CQS shall allow the user to configure and store at least 3 different digital reticle configurations with different types of ballistic features and shall include the ability for the center dot/aim point to be brighter than other displayed features. The DP-CQS shall have no mechanical boresight adjustors and shall be designed as a sealed optical system with low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) with a 72-hour continuous battery run time, utilizing no more than 1x CR123 or L91 battery. The DP- CQS shall communicate with external devices to receive range/ballistic data, and user configured/updated reticles. The feasibility study should consider technologies to eliminate scattering of light to provide a sharp edge to all reticle features, while also minimizing unwanted color shift of the direct-view scene. The DP-CQS shall mount to a MIL-STD 1913 Rail.

Visit events.sofwerx.org/sbir24-4r5 to sign up and answer any questions.

Sneak Peek – DOG Leg from Shadow Tech

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

I ran into HOG Saddle during last week’s vendor day at the USASOC Sniper Competition. Coming soon from Shadow Tech, the Dual Optic Grabbing (DOG) Leg. This thing is ingenious.

Essentially, it’s an erector which allows you to use your NVGs in conjunction with magnified observation devices like a spotting scope. While the DOG Leg is Picatinny and ARCA Rail compatible on one end, the other has a dovetail mount for your NVG. This set up does not require attachment of the NVG directly to the spotting scope, so there’s no threading.

XS Sights Introduces Lever Rail and Ghost Ring Sight Kit for Rossi R95 and Lever Scout Mount for Rossi R92

Thursday, March 21st, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas (March 19, 2024) – XS® Sights is pleased to now offer its popular Lever Rail and Ghost Ring sight sets for the Rossi R95 lever-action rifle and Lever Scout Mount for the Rossi R92.

Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, XS Rails are hard coat anodized to provide a lightweight mounting system that is tough enough to withstand a lifetime of use. The ghost ring sight sets are made of precision-machined steel and fully adjustable for windage and elevation. These rugged sights deliver an enhanced field of view with a white stripe front sight that is highly visible on targets in all lighting conditions and contrasts against any color background.

“The XS Ghost Ring sight sets allow for the fastest target acquisition possible with iron sights,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “The surge in popularity of lever action rifles has been fun to see, and we are happy to offer Rossi R95 and R92 owners upgrades to make their shooting experience better. Our Picatinny rail offers users flexibility by easily accommodating riflescopes and red dot sights.”

R95 Lever Rail and Ghost Ring Kit Retail Price: $192.99

R92 Lever Scout Mount Kit Retail Price: $76.99

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.

Wilcox Ind Awarded Contract to Supply the RAAM-GSS to the German Special Forces

Wednesday, March 20th, 2024

NEWINGTON, NH USA – On 27 February 2024, the German Special Forces awarded Wilcox Industries Corp. a contract to supply Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module – Grenadier Sighting System (RAAM-GSS™). This contract is the result of a multi-year competitive selection process.  The RAAM-GSS™ system is a customized version of the US Army’s “Program of Record” Grenadier Sighting System (GSS).  The technical foundation of the Wilcox line of grenadier sighting systems products is based on over a decade of rigorous design and development work in cooperation with the US Army.    

The contract will be performed by Wilcox in partnership with its German representative and partner IEA Mil-Optics GmbH located in Nagold, Germany, that received the demand for supply of the aiming devices for the 40 mm grenade launcher.  IEA Mil-Optics will be responsible for managing the supply of the fire control units and laser rangefinders to the Bundeswehr for the duration of the contract. The RAAM-GSS™ will be manufactured at Wilcox’s facility in Newington, NH USA.

In response to the contract award, James Teetzel, CEO of Wilcox stated, “We are very honored to learn of the good news that Wilcox was down selected as the global partner to the German Special Forces and IEA Mil-Optics GmbH supplying the RAAM GSS system. Our unwavering commitment to support the warfighter and safeguarding their wellbeing is utmost priority.”

A Brief History of the Design and Success of the Wilcox Grenadier Sighting System [GSS]

In 2012, Wilcox began the design and development of the US Army GSS day/night sighting system for the M320/M320A1 grenade launcher (GL).  After over a decade of design refinement, development, developmental, V&V testing, operational testing, lessons learned, continuous improvement, and ongoing production in conjunction with the US Army, the GSS was confirmed to simply be the most accurate, user friendly, forward upgradeable, and heavily tested day/night sight for the M320/M320A1 GL in the world.

That was just the beginning of the long-term commitment between Wilcox and the US Army to design and manufacture the utmost advanced 40mm sighting systems available.  Prototypes of the GSS then went through three years of further extensive development, testing and evaluation in a competitive contract environment.  At the end, in June 2019, the US Army chose to purchase tens of thousands of GSS units (NSN: 1010-01-686-8798) with Wilcox as a single production awardee.

Like the GSS, the RAAM-GSS™ has proven to increase hit probability by significantly enhancing daytime and nighttime grenadier accuracy, simultaneously decreasing target engagement time, and is gaining user acceptance.

For more information about the RAAM-GSS™, visit www.wilcoxind.com/RAAM-GSS.

MKS Instruments Introduces Ophir IR Optics Assembly, Support, and Services in India

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

Delhi, India – March 12, 2024 – MKS Instruments, Inc. (Nasdaq: MKSI), a global provider of technologies that transform our world, announced today new assembly, support, and service capabilities for Ophir® cutting-edge infrared (IR) optics products in India. These new capabilities align seamlessly with the Indian Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ “Make in India” initiative, demonstrating MKS’ commitment to India’s national security industry. MKS will leverage its strong local presence in India by adding Ophir IR lens assembly, support and service capabilities to its existing Atotech facilities.

“The combination of Atotech India’s well-established operations, technical capabilities, and highly qualified team with Ophir’s innovative strength and industry-leading IR optical solutions will enable us to strengthen the longstanding relations we have with the Indian national security sector,” said Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics Group. “This partnership marks another significant milestone in our strategic vision to deepen our collaboration with the Government of India and bolster local assembly, support, and service capabilities, supporting the self-reliance vision of the Indian government. Through these new capabilities in India, MKS reaffirms its commitment and dedication to continuous improvement, seeking to deliver products with unparalleled performance, reliability, and local support for customers worldwide.”

Additional information can be found at www.mks.com

SIG SAUER ROMEO2 Kit Receives NSN Designation

Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 12, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is honored to announce the full ROMEO2 kit has been assigned a NATO Stock Number (NSN: 1240-01-717-4679) and officially placed on the MHS Additional Authorized List (AAL). This distinguished designation is part of the continued modernization efforts of the Modular Handgun System (MHS) Program and proliferation of SIG SAUER accessories designed and engineered to enhance the M17 and M18 platforms.

For inclusion on the MHS Additional Authorized List (AAL), the U.S. Army evaluated numerous pistol red dot sights, from multiple manufacturers, through vigorous environmental and performance evaluations and the ROMEO2 and the previously awarded ROMEO-M17 (NSN: 1240-01-713-9795) each achieved successful selection. The issuance of the NSN to these products streamlines the procurement process for all NATO members and partner countries as an identified standardized material.

The ROMEO2 is a Red Dot Reflex Sight that features a molded glass aspheric lens with high-performance coatings for superior light transmittance and zero distortion, available with a 3 MOA, 6 MOA, or Circle/Dot reticle, and offers D.A.R.C. (Dark Adaptive Reticles and Coatings) technology to provide ideal reticle brightness and target clarity during the day and while using a Gen3+ night vision device. MOTAC™ (motion-activated illumination system) automatically turns the optic off when not in use, and automatically turns it back on when it detects motion, and MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation) automatically turns the optic off when holstered in a compatible holster, and on when drawn. The sight has a 7075-aluminum housing and comes with two (2) steel shrouds for three (3) different optic configurations, to include fully enclosed and sealed. A spring-loaded side battery tray with push-button release allows a battery change without the need to remove the optic from the firearm.

Additionally, the approved MHS AAL ROMEO2 kit includes Berry-compliant wrenches, an X-RAY3 green suppressor-height front night sight to co-witness with the integrated rear sight on the ROMEO2 housing, and a plug to fill the hole in the rear of the MHS slide when the sight plate is removed.

ROMEO2 Red Dot Sight Specs:
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: Circle Dot / 3MOA / 6MOA / 10 MOA Red Dot
Adjustment: 1 MOA (per click)
Clear Aperture: 30mm
Illumination Settings: 12 Daylight, 3 NV
Waterproof: IPX7
Battery: CR2032
Overall Length: 1.84 inches
Overall Width: 1.32 inches
Overall Height w/o shrouds: 1.12 inch
NSN Number: 1240-01-717-4679

The ROMOE2 is designed, developed, tested, and assembled in the U.S.A. For more information about the ROMEO2 visit sigsauer.com.

MATBOCK Tarsier Eclipse Issued NSN

Monday, March 11th, 2024

Exciting news coming from our partners in Australia, S8 Products Group, as they assisted us in getting the Tarsier Eclipse an NSN. This was particularly important as we started to outfit Australia SOCOM with them but also other global units.

We have been supplying  them for nearly a decade now, but now it will be part of a larger procurement strategy. S8 Products Group has been a great partner in helping us to grow the MATBOCK brand globally and the addition of the Tarsier Eclipse for their forces continues to help that. 

If you aren’t familiar with the Tarsier Eclipse and how it works, here is a great side-by-side video taken at Freedom Outdoors in Virginia Beach.

The MATBOCK Tarsier Eclipse NSN is 6650-01-718-0894. Please reach out to sales@matbock.com or check www.matbock.com if you have any more questions.

German Precision Optics (GPO) Introduces New RANGETRACKER 2000 Rangefinder

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. (March 7, 2024) — German Precision Optics expands its RANGEETRACKER™ line by introducing the new RANGETRACKER 2000. This new compact, lightweight, one-handed rangefinder allows the hunter to accurately range its target to 2000 yards with one of the fastest laser rangefinding systems on the market.

The GPO RANGETRACKER 2000 handheld rangefinder incorporates crystal clear optics that allow absolute aiming options and modern electronic technology, wrapped into a small, durable, multi-use rangefinding tool. It will work perfectly for extended-range hunting opportunities with its 2000-yard distance and close-up at 6 yards for the archer.

Enhancing the performance of the RANGETRACKER product line is its new OLED red-illuminated display readout. This illuminated display has multiple brightness settings that can be set so the readout is visible in the lowest light condition or turned off for a black LCD readout on sunny days.

Like the popular GPO RANGETRACKER 1800 that was introduced in 2021, the new RANGETRACKER 2000 includes a high-transmission optical system coated with GPO’s proprietary GPObright™ lens coatings, both line of sight and True-range™ adjusted angle distance readings, a Hyperscan™ feature that provides three readings per second and Targetseeker™ technology that offers “best” and “last” laser hits.

The RANGETRACKER 2000 has an MSRP price of $499.99. As is the case with all GPO offerings, our exceptional rangefinders are backed by our unmatched Spectacular Lifetime Warranty™. These outstanding products are accessible through GPO USA dealers across the nation or conveniently online at www.gpo-usa.com, where you will also find a comprehensive selection of our high-quality riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, laser rangefinders, accessories, and more. For further details on this product line, contact GPO at 1-844-MY-BINOS (692-4667) or visit www.gpo-usa.com.