Virtual SHOT Show — New Products for 2021
If this were a normal year, our team would be reporting from SHOT Show in Las Vegas right now. But the COVID-19 Pandemic changed all that. There is no SHOT Show 2021. However, the organizers of SHOT Show have created a virtual gallery of new products, SHOT Show “On Demand”. We scanned through over 500 new products to create this selection of 14 “new and notable” products. There are new optics from March, Zeiss, Leica, and Athlon, new bullets from Berger, new rifles from Howa and Ruger, plus additional products for hunters and long range shooters.
1. Berger .25 Caliber Long Range Hybrid Target Bullet
Berger’s new .25 Caliber 135 grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullet is the latest projectile offering in the highly-anticipated Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) product line. The new .25 Cal LRHT boasts a high BC, jump-tolerant hybrid ogive profile that is Doppler Radar-verified with less than 1% BC variation.
The 25s are ideal for many of today’s PRS and NRL disciplines that reach out to 1,000 yards and beyond. They are tailored for cartridges such as the .25 Creedmoor, 25-06 Remington, along with several wildcat cartridges popular among competitive shooters. The 135s require 1:8″ twist or faster. Use Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator and determine the optimal twist rate.
This Video Explains the Features of Berger LR Hybrid Target Bullets:
2. March 1-10x24mm Dual Reticle Riflescope — FFP and SFP
The new March 1-10×24mm Shorty is a revolutionary compact scope. The innovative Dual Reticle design boasts the advantages of both First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles.
This scope has the convenience of a FFP reticle which scales precisely with changes of magnification. But the scope also boasts the usability of a SFP reticle with constant line thickness as the magnification changes. Placing the bright fiber dot in the Second Focal Plane ensures that the illuminated dot is effective across the entire magnification range.
This a great scope for hunters. It weighs just 17.8 ounces and is just 8.4 inches overall. With a true 1X power option, it can be used to scan rapidly with both eyes open. But with its 10-fold zoom ratio, it can also be used for long range shots requiring precision aiming. MSRP is $2750.00.
3. Kestrel 5700X Elite Weather Meter, Applied Ballistics + LiNK
The Kestrel 5700X Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK offers the accuracy and reliability as the industry “gold standard” 5700 Elite. But the 5700X packs more performance power to deliver faster firing solutions for multiple targets at extreme long-ranges. This allows shooters to hit long-distance targets faster than ever before. With an upgraded processor that is more powerful and faster than the 5700 Elite, the 5700X provides quicker targeting data for extreme long-range targets. For security, the adjustable Bluetooth® Low Energy signal can be dialed from full power to off position to minimize Bluetooth® range detectability. MSRP is $849.00.
4. Leica Amplus 6 Scope with 6X Zoom Ratio
Leica Sport Optics has introduced a premium riflescope line — the Leica Amplus 6 series. These 30mm tube scopes feature illuminated reticles and a broad, 6X zoom ratio. According to Leica: “The Amplus 6 combines the proven Leica DNA in a universal riflescope with 6X zoom. Leica Amplus 6 balances premium optical performance with rugged features and is complimented by the extremely sharp illuminated dot, 6x zoom, large exit pupil and wide field of view.” Leica promises “color-neutral images with brilliant color correction” along with tough construction. The Amplus 6 is offered in 1-10x24mm, 2.5-15x50mm, and 2.5-15x56mm models. CLICK HERE for product details.
5. Ruger Precision Rifle — Custom Shop Model
The Ruger Precision® Rifle chambered in 6mm Creedmoor is the newest addition to the Ruger Custom Shop® line of firearms. Designed in collaboration with Team Ruger Captain Doug Koenig, and featuring a factory-installed TriggerTech trigger with Frictionless Release Technology, this new model builds upon the already competitive Ruger Precision Rifle to deliver a factory-built firearm specifically designed for long-range competition. MSRP is $2399.00. This is an interesting rifle, but we think for the money we would look at a semi-custom. Get a nice barreled action and drop it in a good chassis stock.
6. Zeiss Sports Optics — DTI 3/35 Thermal Imaging Optic
Zeiss Sports Optics has just unveiled ZEISS DTI 3/35, its first thermal imaging camera specifically developed for hunting. The thermal imaging camera combines a high-resolution display with a balanced, ergonomic design. Thanks to the ErgoControl arrangement of the control buttons and the device’s specially-shaped design, the ZEISS DTI 3/35 is intuitive to use. The buttons are arranged so that they can be engaged quickly and accurately with gloved hands even when it is dark and cold. Even the high-precision manual zoom is designed work easily in the dark. The DTI 3/35 also offers precise magnification adjustments in 0.5x increments for the digital 1.0-4.0x zoom. This allows the user to quickly switch zoom levels, making it easier to find and then zoom in to identify game in the dark.
7. Athlon Optics — 20-60×85mm Ares G2 UHD Spotting Scope
Spotting scopes continue to evolve, with high-end performance now being offered in more affordable units. The new Athlon Ares 20-60x85mm G2 is an example. This offers Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) glass plus a big 85mm objective — with a modest $799.99 price. This Athlon spotting scope has features found on top-of-the-line spotters, such as a full-diameter focus ring. Athlon says that for “a precision shooter spotting impacts at 1,000 yards, the extra-low-dispersion glass provides vivid clarity and resolution[.]” Note: The new Ares G2 20-60×85mm ships with a 3X zoom ratio 20-60 power eyepiece, but it can also accept an optional 28X fixed-power eyepiece with ranging reticle. Street price is $799.99 on Amazon.
8. Surelock Security Company — The Boss Giant Gunsafe
We know lots of our readers have gun collections that push the limits of their current gun safe. What you may need is the giant-capacity Boss Gunsafe from Surelock Security. This huge (59″ H x 55″ W x 28″ D) gunvault can hold up to 76 guns! Of course that rating is based on thin guns without scopes but this is still one of the biggest consumer safes on the market. The Boss safe features 14ga steel walls and door (top and bottom are 12ga). It comes with a 75-minute fire rating. The door is secured by fourteen 1.25″-diameter steel bolts and a SecuRam® Lock. Nice internal features include a deluxe Door Panel Organizer plus internal 110v and USB power outlets. This is a heavy beast — assembled weight is 920 pounds. Price is $1999.99, a pretty good deal considering the features and capacity. Note: This safe is so new it’s not on the Surelock website yet, but you can call 480-542-9459 with questions.
9. Howa — Carbon Fiber Stalker Rifle (Under 5 pounds)
The Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker hunting rifle is great new offering for hunters who want to minimize their load-out. As fitted with a Stocky’s Carbon Fiber stock and trim Howa Mini Action, this new Carbon Fiber Stalker rifle weighs just 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Weight will be higher with Short Action and Long Action. These rifles feature a M1500 barrel and the 2-Stage HACT trigger — one of the best factory triggers on the market. The rifle comes with the standard 3-Position Safety with the Mini Action, Short Action, and Long Action. All Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker rifles come with a Sub-MOA Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty. The Carbon Fiber Stalker will first be offered in Mini Actions, followed by the bigger action types. Available chamberings are:
Mini Action: .223 Rem, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62×39, and .350 Legend
Short Action: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, and .308 Win
Long Action: .270 Win and 6.5 PRC
10. Plano — AW2 Pistol Cases with Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor
If you have high-cost handguns, you may want to transport them in Plano All Weather™ AW2 cases. These will protect pricey pistols from damage, moisture, and corrosion. Plano has added Rustrictor technology and improved protections to its popular pistol cases. The new AW2 cases offer rugged, industrial-strength construction, a continuous Dri-Loc® seal, and an exclusive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) powered by Armor. Plano states: “AW2 Rustrictor cases create a 360° shield that protects your gear and prevents rust, even in the most extreme conditions.” Heavy-duty, dual-stage lockable latches and a built-in pressure release valve help these cases withstand the continuous bumping and jarring of travel including airlines.
Plano claims that Rustrictor blocks rust up to 5 times longer then the compitiotn with 360° of protection. These Plano AW2 pistol cases are availible in three sizes: Medium (1 pistol, $59.99 MSRP), Large (2 pistols, $79.99 MSRP) and Extra Large (4 pistols with MSRP 99.99).
11. Walker’s — FireMax Walkie-Talkie Accessory
Here’s a very smart new product that lets you talk with other shooters or range workers when you have your earmuffs in place. The new FireMax Walkie-Talkie from Walker’s attaches to the bottom of a FireMax Muff, providing a microphone and radio circuitry. This unit run on the FRS frequency band, with main, sub-channel, and priority channel settings. The antenna is adjustable and their is a large, back-lit LCD screen. The walkie-talkie components is powered by the existing large FireMax Muff battery, keeping things simple. We like the fact that the attached Walkie-talkie will also control muff volume and mode selection. Price is very reasonable — just $59.99 (FireMax Muff sold separately for $149.99).
12. Swagger Bipods — SFR10 FLEX/RIGID Bipod
Swagger’s new SFRP10 Flex/Rigid Bipod is pretty expensive at $249.99 MSRP, but it does offer some unique capabilities that tactical shooters will appreciate. The special system allows the bipod to cant, traverse and FLEX. Swagger states: “Every shooter wants the rigidity of a traditional bipod but also have the ability to cant and traverse with ease.
The SFR10 bipod has the ability to cant and traverse, track a target and make adjustments down range-all without having to take your eye out of the scope and off the target. Adjustable flex tension allows shooter to fine tune flexibility to the situation. This SFR10 bipod easily adjusts from max flex to rigid, and legs can be set at 45° angle for lower shooting position. Bipod weight is 15.2 oz. and vertical adjustment range is 6″ to 10.5″.
13. SIUS HS10 Hybrid Target System — Rimfire AND Air guns
The Swiss-made SIUS HS10 hybrid is an electronic scoring target for air guns and small bore rifles. As far as we know this is the first-ever electronic target system designed to work for both .22 LR competition as well as air rifles/air pistols. SIUS says this “is the perfect target for all 10m, 50ft, 50m needs from a single lane installation (with SIUSLANE software) to a system for competitions (with SIUSDATA,TEN-LANE Command Desk, SIUSRANK software). This new HS10 Hybrid target is ISSF rated for National-Level competitions. It can be used at home (for airgun practice) or for club/school/program sport shooting.
How it works: When the projectile passes through the inner target plane, it is detected completely contact-free by TWO independent HD-infrared beams. This technology allows for projectile detection with the accuracy of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
14. New Sling Saddle Secures Hunting Rifle During Carry
How do you carry your rifle when hunting? Do you stow it away in your pack for a hands free hike, sling it over your shoulder and hold there, or carry it in your hands to keep it handy for when you need it in a hurry? With the Sling Saddle Shoulder and belt clip system you can carry your rifle completely HANDS FREE. The Creed Sling Saddle Combo ($49.95 MSRP) offers a solution to a common problem that hunters struggle with when carrying a rifle on their shoulder. The Shoulder clip easily attaches to your backpack shoulder strap, is fully adjustable, and very easy to use. Simply attach it onto your favorite hunting pack. This unit comes in two variations. You can purchase the shoulder clip only, or you can purchase the Combo which secures your rifle at shoulder and waist.
This video shows how the Sling Saddle works in the field for hunters:
