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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

TNVC Introduces L-3 Thin-Filmed White Phosphor to Their Line of Popular TNV/PVS-14 Night Vision Monoculars

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Following the enormous popularity of TNVC’s Limited Edition July 4th TNV/PVS-14s and overwhelming customer demand for more, similar offerings, TNVC is proud to announce that we have added L-3 Thin-Filmed White Phosphor image intensifier tubes to our regular product line, and they are now available for sale as part of our popular TNV/PVS-14 line.

These high-performing Generation 3, Auto-Gated Night Vision Monoculars offer similar performance to our L-3 OMNI VIII Green Thin-Filmed units, and will meet or exceed current U.S. military OMNI VIII contract specs, but using the highly sought-after White Phosphor technology and image coloration.

With prices starting at $3,495.00, these units offer customers an intermediate option between our more traditional green units and our premium L-3 Unfilmed White Phosphor image intensifier tubes. While these Thin-Filmed White Phosphor tubes cannot match the performance of the Unfilmed White Phosphor units, and will have more scintillation in extremely dark conditions, like our Thin-Filmed green units, they nevertheless offer superb image quality and resolution. Moreover, many end-users report that White Phosphor image intensifier tubes produce an image that is perceived as brighter and having more contrast, with deeper shadows and more defined details, as well as being more pleasing to the eye and producing less eye-strain during prolonged use than green units.

Like all TNV/PVS-14 units, these units are “semi-custom” and built by hand to-order at TNVC’s California facility, and come with TNVC’s industry-leading 10 Year Warranty. While this adds some lead time to these units, it allows TNVC the ability to offer customers will a full menu of customizable options with our TNV/PVS-14, including tube type and accessory kits, as well as MIL-SPEC Black, Flat Dark Earth, and officially licensed Crye Multicamä.

In addition to the standard TNVC TM-14 Weapon Mount option, customers can also purchase the excellent Wilcox L4 G11 ARMY helmet mount at a special package price of $255 with the purchase of one of these L-3 Thin-Filmed White Phosphor units, providing a vast improvement over the decades-old Legacy USGI “Rhino” system.

These Thin-Filmed White Phosphor image intensifier tubes are currently only being offered as part of the TNV/PVS-14 product line. All of our other TNV dual tube Night Vision Goggle systems will continue to be offered with L-3 Thin-Filmed OMNI VIII green and L-3 Unfilmed White Phosphor image intensifier tubes.

tnvc.com/shop/tnvpvs-14-l3-gen3-omni-viii-filmed-white-phosphor

Crimson Trace Upgrades For MSRs

Monday, July 16th, 2018

(Wilsonville, OR) — Crimson Trace®, recognized as America’s Top Brand of laser sights and lights in a shooting sports industry survey of shooters and hunters, offers numerous lighting upgrade options to owners of modern sporting rifles (MSRs) and most rail-equipped long guns.  The easy-to-install laser sights and lights can be used on a wide assortment of firearms that are held for self- and home-defense purposes, and for hunting in numerous states. The great news is the options can be found in more than 2,800 dealers across America—or quickly ordered online.

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Leading the way in long-gun upgrades are the new Crimson Trace Tactical Lights. These innovations include the CWL-102 white LED light, which delivers up to 500 lumens and can be activated with a tap-on/tap-off tail cap or via a remote on/off activation pad attached to the light with a linking cable. That activation pad can be placed in position on the firearm with Velcro straps or a stick-in-place strip. Another similar light model, the CWL-202 provides up to 900 lumens of output. These lights are impact resistant and water resistant up to a depth of 1 meter. Models are available to fit standard rails or the M-Lok®/Keymod accessory slots.

Crimson Trace also offers the award-winning LiNQ® wireless laser sight and light solution. This remotely operated green laser sight and bright light is designed to securely attach to any MSR that is equipped with a M1913 Picatinny or Weaver accessory rail. The compact module of the LiNQ laser/light system houses a green laser sight and powerful 300-Lumen LED white light. The replacement activation grip controls the module through a secure singular closed system. That module can be operated in four modes: light only, laser only, laser and light, and laser and strobe light. The grip and the module are pre-paired at Crimson Trace’s state-of-the-art factory when packaged for shipping, and FREE mounting tools and batteries are included.

Another popular MSR upgrade is the Crimson Trace MVF-515™ laser sight. This Modular Vertical Foregrip has a bright 200-Lumen LED white light partnered with a red or green laser sight. The user simply mounts the MVF-515 laser sight on a lower rail (Picatinny or similar) on the rifle’s forend, tightens the mounting screws, and then adjusts the unit for windage and elevation using the FREE included tools. The sturdy grip is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and is popular with law enforcement units from coast to coast as well as military units around the globe.

Another MSR laser sight and light upgrade option is the Crimson Trace Rail Master® Pro™ laser sight and light system. These red or green laser sights are paired with a 100-Lumen LED white light and offer several operation modes, including: laser only, light only, laser and constant light, or laser and strobe light. These lightweight and compact laser sight and light products utilize M1913 Picatinny or Weaver style accessory rails and feature tap-on/tap-off activation.

An additional upgrade option is a Crimson Trace Rail Master® with a red laser (CMR-201), green laser (CMR-206), or a 100-Lumen LED white light (CMR-202). The Rail Master universal laser sighting system can be easily installed, has tap-on/tap-off activation, and will automatically power off after five minutes of inactivity. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices for the CMR-201 Rail Master begin at $159.

Crimson Trace strives to make laser sights standard equipment on concealed-carry and personal-defense firearms. The Oregon-based company has equipped America’s gun owners, law enforcement officers, and military units around the globe with the largest selection of award-winning laser sight and tactical light products. Full details are at www.crimsontrace.com or are available by calling 800-442-2406.

Hi-Lux Celebrates 50 Years of the ART Rifle Scope

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018

The ART scope technology was born out of necessity in the early years of the Vietnam War. Enemy snipers were killing American servicemen, but the US Army was not adequately equipped to deal with the problem. The solution was to send newly trained snipers into battlefield service as soon as possible.

However, sniper training at that time was a lengthy process that required long hours on the range teaching recruits to estimate distance and to use the proper amount of “hold-over” (aiming high to compensate for bullet drop) in order to make successful first round hits.

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In the late 1960s, Second Lieutenant James M. Leatherwood entered the Army, and brought his recently patented design for a ranging scope that would raise and lower the rear of the scope similar to an open sight.  Shortly after, the Army equipped their snipers with Leatherwood System scopes.  The use of the new scope system had dramatic effects.

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Now it was possible to rapidly train snipers to get first round hits out to 900 meters without having to devote precious time on distance estimation or “hold-over.” American snipers were now dominating the field in Vietnam, and the ART scope system became a legend.

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ART technology raises and lowers the rear of the scope similar to an open sight, allowing shooters to get first round hits of up to 1000 yards without complex distance estimation.

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Over the past 50 years, the ART scope system has been steadily improved under the discerning control of James Leatherwood. An unrelenting insistence on durability and quality resulted in the acceptance of the ART II scope as a standard issue item by the US Army.

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Hi-Lux has introduced new versions of the ART scope system designed for the hunter and long-range shooter. These new scopes, based on the technology pioneered James Leatherwood, bring a new dimension and approach to long range shooting.

For additional information on this or any other Hi-Lux Optics product, send us an e-mail at info@hi-luxoptics.com, call us at 888-445-8912 or visit us at hi-luxoptics.com/pages/50-years-of-the-art-scope.

Meopta USA Sport Optics Introduces the MeoStar R2 2.5-15×56 RD Riflescope

Wednesday, June 27th, 2018

TAMPA, FL, June 25, 2018 – Meopta USA Sport Optics is pleased to add the MeoStar R2 2.5-15×56 RD to its premium line of MeoStar R2 riflescopes.

This newest, high-performance 30mm MeoStar R2 riflescope features a 6x variable magnification range, wide field of view and exceptional light transmission.  MeoLux, Meopta’s most advanced lens coating, combined with Schott glass and expert design, enables 99.8% light transmission per lens surface allowing hunters using MeoStar R2 riflescopes to see better and hunt longer.

Available in four illuminated reticle options – 4C-RD, 4K-RD, BDC 2 and BDC 3 – the MeoStar R2 2.5-15×56 RD allows for fast and accurate target acquisition.  All MeoStar R2 riflescopes are parallax free to 100 yards and feature Meopta’s MeoDrop hydrophobic lens coating which easily repels rain, snow, skin oils and dirt.

“The MeoStar R2 line of riflescopes is built for hunters who demand the highest optical performance,” said Randy Garrison, Director of Meopta USA Sport Optics.  “Meopta’s advanced MeoLux lens coating is optimized for twilight performance which helps hunters see better and make accurate shots in the most challenging light.”

MeoStar R2 riflescopes are currently available in five models: 1-6×24 RD, 1.7-10×42 RD, 2-12×50 RD, 2.5-15×56 RD and 8×56 RD.

All MeoStar R2 riflescopes feature eight levels of reticle intensity so the brightness level of the red dot can be adjusted to accommodate the ever-changing light and weather conditions in the field – from the brightest sunshine and snow to the dimmest light.  Windage and elevation turrets are quickly resettable to zero and easy to grip, even with gloves on.  Focal adjustment is also quick and easy thanks to Meopta’s fast-focus eyepiece, and the external lens surfaces are protected from scratches and abrasion by the robust MeoShield coating.

Like all Meopta riflescopes, the MeoStar R2 riflescope is machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and built to withstand extreme conditions.  The scope features an anodized exterior for scratch resistance and is waterproof, shockproof and fogproof for maximum performance and durability.

Specs:

For more information regarding Meopta, please visit www.meoptasportsoptics.com.

Trijicon Inc, to Acquire AmeriGlo

Wednesday, June 27th, 2018

Wixom, MI, (June 25, 2018) – Trijicon®, Inc., global provider of innovative aiming solutions for the hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement markets, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire AmeriGlo, a leading supplier of U.S. made night sights. The completion of the acquisition is expected to occur within 30-60 days.

“The AmeriGlo brand is a natural fit for us,” said Stephen Bindon, Trijicon President. “This purchase will further enhance Trijicon’s ever-expanding product and brand portfolio while increasing our manufacturing capacity to better serve end-users across the spectrum.”

AmeriGlo will continue to function as an independent brand and product portfolio.  There are no immediate plans to change how the team at AmeriGlo operates the business.

“The team at AmeriGlo looks forward to this new relationship with Trijicon, Inc.  AmeriGlo customers will see no interruption to the exceptional quality and service they have grown accustomed to over the years.  Our dedicated staff in Georgia will remain in place, and we’ll continue making sights for our valued clients,” said Rick Callihan. Callihan founded AmeriGlo in 2001 and will remain with the company.

With over 15 years of design and manufacturing expertise, AmeriGlo has excelled with a passion and commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. AmeriGlo sights are designed, machined, and assembled in the USA.

www.trijicon.com

L3 and Optics 1 Awarded Opportunity to Provide Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder to US Army

Friday, June 22nd, 2018

The Department of Defense recently announced that L3 Technologies and Optics 1 are the two vendors who will compete for each one the of Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finders (STORM) for the US Army.

L3 Technologies Inc., Londonderry, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0007); and Optics 1 Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0008), will compete for each order of the $236,019,734 firm-fixed-price contract for the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

The program has been around for many years. This 2013 video from PEO Soldier goes over the basic attributes of STORM. Hoever, new systems procured from this contract will offer improved performance.

Seen here is the STORM PI by L3 Insight Technologies.

It offers integrated infrared (IR) illumination and aiming lasers (IR and variable), and a Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC). When operated in conjunction with a GPS, may be used to display target location as geo-spatial coordinates (grid or slant). When weapon-mounted, the visible aim laser enables the STORM to be co-aligned with existing optics, and the IR illuminator and IR aim laser facilitate target acquisition and aiming in low ambient light conditions.

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The Optics 1 offering is said to be a larger version of their Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-Mounted Rangefinder (I-CUGR), seen above, with improved capabilities.

See Nightforce Optics At Warrior East

Thursday, June 21st, 2018

Nightforce® Optics, Inc., is proud to announce their participation at the 2018 ADS Warrior East show in Virginia Beach, VA.

Staff from the MIL-GOV-LE department of Nightforce will be on hand to exhibit Nightforce products and answer questions from attendees. Visit booth 311 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

Next Gen Night Vision Binos Increase Survivability for Recon, EOD Marines

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.— Marines will have better situational awareness on missions in dark areas thanks to new night vision goggles.

The Binocular Night Vision Goggle II, or BNVG II, is a helmet-mounted binocular that gives operators improved depth perception at night, and uses white phosphor Image Intensification technology to amplify ambient light, with a modular thermal imaging overlay capability. BNVG II helps Marines identify potential buried explosive devices, find hidden objects within foliated areas and safely conduct tasks that require depth perception.

A Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon waits on the flight deck while training in the Pacific Ocean. Marine Corps Systems Command is fielding Force Recon and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines greater capability with the Binocular Night Vision Goggle II. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. T. T. Parish)

Marine Corps Systems Command began fielding the BNVG II to Force Reconnaissance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines this spring, and full operational capability is planned for the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

The BNVG II includes a Binocular Night Vision Device and a Clip-on Thermal Imager, or COTI, that attaches to the body of the BNVD with a bracket. The BNVD amplifies the small amount of existing light emitted by stars, the moon’s glow or other ambient light sources, and uses the light to clearly display objects in detail in very dark conditions. The COTI uses heat energy from the Marine’s surroundings to add a thermal overlay which allows the image to be viewed more clearly. It helps Marines with situational awareness in conditions with little to no light.

“The BNVG II helps Marines see enemies at a distance, and uses the COTI to detect ordnance or power sources for an explosive device that give off heat,” said Nia Cherry, program analyst with Infantry Weapons. “The COTI intensifies Marines’ ability to see anything in dark conditions, rain, fog, dust, smoke and through bushes that the legacy binoculars couldn’t.”

The BNVG II is a follow-on to the legacy, battle-proven AN/PVS-15 binocular, but offers more features— such as the COTI—for increased survivability. The BNVD component is a compact, lightweight, Generation-3 Dual Tube Night Vision Goggle with an ergonomic low-profile design. It offers superior situational awareness compared to the AN/PVS-15, utilized by Reconnaissance Marines, and the single-tube AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device utilized throughout the rest of the Marine Corps. It mounts to the Enhanced Combat Helmet and may be used individually or in conjunction with the COTI.

“In March, we held an exercise in San Diego where Marines provided positive feedback on their ability to easily maneuver with the goggles,” said Joe Blackstone, Optics Team lead in Infantry Weapons. “The depth perception provided by the BNVG II enhances precision and increases the operator’s survivability while on missions with limited lighting.”

Infantry Weapons falls under Ground Combat Element Systems at MCSC.