Optics

Precision Rifle Shooting (PRS) has been gaining a lot of ground in recent and with that an increasing interest in precision rifle competitions.  I started shooting precision rifle competitions about 12 years ago and back then, the competitive landscape was different. There weren’t as many matches around as I was getting into it and there certainly weren’t any standardized rules about what was and wasn’t allowed. 

At this year’s SHOT Show, “Sniper Jesus” told me the new NightForce ATACR 7-35X was the best deal going in optics. I have anxiously been wanting to put this to the test. I begged, borrowed, cajoled, harassed, and arguably stalked NightForce for a review sample. Arguably stalked is a loose interpretation or so my lawyer tells me.
Earlier this week a box arrived from Orofino. And you know what? It was absolutely worth the wait.

Earlier this year I noticed a Facebook ad for American Technology Network’s (ATN) new X-Sight II HD digital rifle scope. As firearm-related ads are wont to do, it called my name until I finally decided to check it out.

How do you tell if a riflescope is first or second focal plane?

This is probably not a surprise to any of my regular readers, but I am a bit of an optics snob. I played sniper professionally for most of my military career, and that left a distinct mark when it comes to glass. According to the data, Vortex was the glass of choice for an astounding 73 percent of those in the top 15 slots in PRS 2015. Enter the Vortex Razor HD Gen II.

I am a hater of Weaver style bases, and I will make no apologies. If I could wave my magic wand and make one firearms accessory disappear, it would be anything with a Weaver slot. Why so hateful? Glad you asked.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Steiner to most U.S. veterans is the ubiquitous Steiner 10×50 binoculars. These were a staple in every unit I ever served in, and had a great reputation for clarity and toughness. German glass is legendary in sniper circles for clarity and lack of imperfections. I was never issued a Steiner, but I had enough of the other Kraut options to know I should jump at the chance to test a myriad of Steiner glass.

As we sit here in 2017, there probably isn’t a bigger controversy than whether an electronic red dot sight is acceptable for concealed carry.

One of the biggest problems in the past with red dot electronic sights is that they existed in exactly two categories. There was the super premium, salt water submergible, dust/ EMP proof, hostage rescue unit rated that cost roughly $800. It was a fantastic sight, but the price point for 1X magnification is about the [...]