Optics/Sights

The new package from Aimpoint comes with a Micro, the LRP mount (which pops on and off with a lever), and the Micro Spacer High to get that perfect AR fit. Rock it up on your shoulder, and the dot is there. It increases the speed of target acquisition, the mount and riser are as rugged as the T1 itself, and the whole combo makes shopping that much easier.

Electronic imaging systems are coming into their own and were much in evidence at this year’s SHOT Show. American Technologies Network, Corp., better known as ATN, has been developing night vision and thermal imaging optics in California since 1995. They introduced a new, high-tech thermal imaging weapons sight, Thor, in 2011. This year, they have an offshoot of Thor—Tico—intended to be used as a clip-on device with daytime scopes such as the ACOG. It has the same features as Thor and has four memory slots that allow you to tune it to different platforms/calibers. Tico starts at $6,195. Also, the X-Sight is a new standard nightvision without a tube. It relies on video imaging, and can record your action, for under $700. Check these ATN products out!

Vortex Optics www.vortexoptics.com Two New Red Dot Sights from Vortex, Plus Updates to the Razor Line of Rifle Scopes—SHOT Show 2014 If you’re not familiar with Vortex, they’re an optics company in central Wisconsin. The operating philosophy is to take care of their customers. As you would expect, their customer service is great. In fact, [...]

Nightforce has done the seemingly impossible. To understand the truth of that statement, you have to consider that, rather than compete with the big scope manufacturers that produce a broad range of products, Nightforce has focused on producing high-end scopes. Although one scope may look much like another on the outside, what’s on the inside is another story. There are many elements which go into producing the image that you see when looking downrange. Change one element, and it affects all the others. Such a small thing as the tiny spring that maintains pressure on the windage and elevation adjustments receives critical attention at Nightforce. Night Force5The company wants this part, like all of the others that go into making one of its scopes, to operate smoothly and positively for life.

We live in a wonderful time for guns, scopes and shooting accessories of all kinds. Never before has there been the selection that we enjoy today. Zeiss optics just added a few more choices for those looking for the perfect scope or binoculars for their hunting/viewing needs and budget. Long known for superior glass, Zeiss has added larger objective lenses to its line of HD binoculars. You now have the tremendous light-gathering ability that 56mm objective lenses afford. They come in 8 power, 10 power, and 15 power magnification. They are all tripod adaptable, and you’ll need a tripod for the 15 power binoculars. It would make viewing easier for the 10 power as well. Big objective lenses make for big binoculars that beg for the stability a tripod provides. For their popular line of scopes, Zeiss has added 50mm objective lenses to get the brightest sight pictures in low-light situations. The Terra Series of entry level scopes are available with the 50mm objectives in 3-9 power, and 4-12 power. MSRP starts at $349. That’s a great price to put the quality of Zeiss glass on your rifle.

Thermal imaging scopes have helped our military own the night. Although the cost was peanuts to the government compared to the advantages they offered, it was out of reach for most individuals. Now we’re getting closer to the point where you and I can own the night for our own hunting needs. One of the advantages of thermal imaging, of course, is that it’s entirely passive; you don’t have to emit any light or IR energy. The coyotes and hogs will never know you’re there…not until you reach out and touch them, that is. Another advantage is the ability to see through dust, smoke, rain and foliage, day or night. It’s far superior to night vision scopes, which rely on a light source like the stars, the moon or IR lights. Among the limited offerings in the consumer market, the IR Hunter from IR Defense appears to be a break-through product.

Serious birders and those who want the best for hunting and other field activities gravitate toward Swarovski. The combination of field flattening lenses, quality glass, effective lens coatings and ergonomic design provide superior performance. The SLC Series 15×56 binoculars, for example, deliver exceptional light-gathering abilities in low-light situations like the at dusk and dawn. The performance comes at the cost of higher weight, of course. The SLC 15×56 binocs weigh 42.3 ounces. If size and weight is a concern though, Swarovski produces one of the best sets of compact binoculars you could find. The new CL pocket 8×25 binoculars fold up small at just 12.2 ounces and provide superior viewing in a pocket binocular. MSRP is $888.

You can always count on Nikon for high-performing optics at reasonable prices. This year, the company introduced three new products. The first is a rifle scope for the .22 LR AR, the P-22, 2-7 power with a 32 mm objective lens. It’s specifically designed for the ballistic trajectory of the .22 LR cartridge so that you can place your shots with confidence. Whether it’s shooting prairie dogs or targets, the P-22 will help you reach out to 100 yards and beyond. It’s available with either a bullet drop compensation reticle, which gives you hold points for various distances, or a turret that allows you to dial in your distance. The price is a low $179.95. For scoping out your hunting range, Nikon has improved its best-selling Monarch 5 binoculars. The use of ED glass, a low dispersion glass, reduces chromatic aberration or color fringing. This provides a clearer, crisper image with better contrast. The binoculars are also lighter now for better all-day carrying comfort. MSRP starts at $329.95. Finally, Nikon introduced the Aculon ultra compact rangefinder. Weighing just 4.4 ounces without batteries, the Aculon provides quick readings from 6-550 yards. MSRP is $169.95.

Trijicon has a loyal following with its tactical/combat sights, and the new VCOG 1-6×24 is sure to be a popular addition to the lineup. VCOG stands for Variable Combat Optical Gunsight. It’s the result of demands from Trijicon users who wanted a variable power scope with bullet drop compensation for the .223, .308, and 300 BLK rounds. The bullet drop reticle is marked for each specific round. In other words, you must specify for which round you want the ballistics information when you buy your scope. The reticle is a first or front focal plane reticle. This means that the reticle changes size when you zoom so that it maintains the same proportion with the target. A front focal plane reticle provides better information for estimating distance to the target. Its weakness is that the reticle is thinner and possibly more difficult to pick up at the lowest power when transitioning to a target. Trijicon overcomes this by providing a battery-powered lighted reticle, therefore giving you the best of both worlds. MSRP will be $2,380 when the VCOG goes on sale in May. Check out the VCOG and ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) in the accompanying video.