Last year we reported on the Bushnell Fusion 1600 ARC rangefinding binoculars. As first introduced, the Fusion 1600 was sold as a 10×42 binocular with ten-power magnification. Now Bushnell has introduced a larger, more powerful 12×50 Fusion ARC model. This has larger, 50mm objective lenses, plus 12X magnification. With a “street price” under $900.00, the new 12×50 Fusion 1600 is less than half the price of the less powerful 10×42 Leica Geovids ($2349.00) or Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars (10×45, $2,799.00). That huge price advantage makes the Fusion very tempting — but can Bushnell’s 1600 ARC binos perform as advertised?
Don’t Expect to Range a WhiteTail at 1600 yards
There is BIG difference between ranging a water tower, and ranging a deer-sized animal. Bushnell lists three different effective ranging distances for the Fusion 1600, and Bushnell claims only 500-yard effectiveness on deer-sized objects (vs. 1000 yards on trees). This is fairly consistent with our LRF comparison tests.
You can see the features of Bushnell’s new 12×50 Fusion 1600 ARC rangefinding binoculars in the video below. This also shows the smaller 10×42 Bushnell Fusion for comparison. The video does a good job explaining the functional differences between the 12X and 10X units, helping you decide which one best fits your needs. Surprisingly, the bigger Fusion is only about one ounce heavier. If you have any interest in a combo bino/rangefinder you should watch this video. The reviewer concludes the Fusions represent good value for the money.
Fusion 1600 ARC Features
The 12×50 roof prism binoculars feature built-in battery life indicator, twist-up eye pieces, and multi-coated optics with RainGuard. The Fusion 1600 is fully waterproof and submersible, meeting IPX7 “waterproof” specification. Owners have reported that the Fusion 1600 has good glass, and the red readouts are easy to see. Bushnell employs Vivid Display Technology™ (with four display brightness settings) to enhance display readability in all lighting conditions.
The built-in laser rangefinder features ARC (Angle Range Compensating) technology, which calculates the angle to the target (-90 to +90 degrees). ARC also and gives the hold-over range for the rifle shooter, and true horizontal distance for bow hunters. We like the fact that you can choose between Inches and MOA for holdover. There is a brush mode for measuring distances in heavy cover and a bullseye mode for ranging in open areas. The brush mode can filter out false returns from closer objects. This IS a useful feature that actually does work. The Fusion 1600 ARC laser rangefinder binoculars come with battery, neck-strap, and carrying case. Typical retail price for th 12×50 Fusion is around $900.00. For more info, visit www.bushnell.com or call 800-423-3537 for consumer inquiries.
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics announced that it is taking over distribution of the Hensoldt line of optics in the United States effective May 1, 2011. The Hensoldt line of riflescopes and other optical instruments for military, law enforcement and civilian applications is produced by the Carl Zeiss Optronics division and had been distributed in the U.S. by HDC, LLC (Hudisco.com) since 2008. Nathan Hunt, president of HDC, has joined the Carl Zeiss Optronics division in the U.S. as Vice President, Sights. In this role, Hunt will focus on the military market and help the Carl Zeiss Sports Optics team in Chester, VA, expand Hensoldt distribution in the USA.
“The Hensoldt line offers exceptional quality and versatility for elite marksmen, and Carl Zeiss Sports Optics is pleased to take over distribution of these optics to select dealers throughout the United States,” said Erik Schumacher, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. “At this year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the Hensoldt line was shown in the same booth as the ZEISS Sports Optics line for the very first time and the response from dealers was overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to expanding the footprint of the Hensoldt line in conjunction with our sports optics business.”
The customer base for Hensoldt optics is comprised of police and law enforcement agency sniper units as well as the most discerning competitive marksmen and shooting enthusiasts who are looking for the absolute finest optics available. Hensolt produce a a select variety of high-end optics, including telescopic sights, spotting scopes, and hterml imaging systems. Hensoldt scopes are very expensive but the optics performance and build quality is absolutely top-of-the-line.
by Ian Kenney A week before the fall Allegheny Sniper Challenge (ASC), I first saw Adaptive’s Field Density Altitude Compensator (FDAC). I was impressed by its capabilities and compact size and I managed to take one home from the ASC prize table the very next weekend. The FDAC comes from Adaptive Consulting and Training Services in Stafford, VA. The guys at Adaptive know a thing or two about long-range shooting — many of them are former USMC Scout Snipers. Their long-range shooting and combat experience helped them perfect the FDAC.
At first glance the $39.95 FDAC appears to be just another data card. However, in a number of ways, it is completely different than traditional data cards. The FDAC was designed to be simple and accurate, so that any military or civilian shooter could pick it up and, within minutes, effectively employ it. Anyone familiar with a Midot Master should find the FDAC simple and intuitive. Another plus is that, unlike electronic gadgets, the FDAC doesn’t need batteries or shielding from the elements. You don’t have to carry around extra batteries, chargers, and “ruggedized” weather-proof cases.
FDAC Offers Multiple Cards for More Precise Solutions
The FDAC is quite different than traditional data cards that calculate trajectories based on a single muzzle velocity in a given set of conditions. The problem with those traditional data cards is that, as soon as one variable changes, the card’s ballistic solution becomes less valid. The FDAC solves this problem by employing several cards for different muzzle velocities and using Density Dltitude to compensate for the differences in environmental conditions. For the uninitiated, Density Altitude combines the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and elevation figures into one number that is more easily used over a wider range of conditions. Density Altitude can be obtained with a portable weather station (such as a Kestrel). If a portable weather meter is not available, the basic chart printed on the card itself works pretty well even when guessing at the physical altitude and temperature.
FDAC Ballistic Solutions Deliver First-Round Hits in the Field
I first tested the FDAC at Reade Range in Pennsylvania, shooting from 500 to 1000 yards. I used the 2700 fps velocity card that came with my FDAC for the 175 Sierra Match King since that most closely matched what I had loaded up. Starting out with a cold bore shot from the 500-yard line, I obtained the density altitude using my Brunton ADC Pro, and slid the card over until the proper density altitude column was showing. With 3.2 mils of elevation and .2 mils of left wind dialed into my Nightforce 3.5-15×50 (first focal plane) scope, I went for my cold bore shot, hoping the FDAC would put me close. I was happily rewarded with a first round, center mass hit, just a little left of center.
The FDAC continued to shine at longer ranges. FDAC solutions gave me first-round hits at 600 and 800 yards, a second round hit at 1000 yards. Several weeks later I found myself in a field in rural North Carolina once again putting the FDAC to good use this time without any electronic aids. To my surprise, my guestimate of about 500’ for density altitude was pretty darn close to what the Kestrel my friend had was saying also. Just like at Reade Range, the FDAC values delivered cold bore hits that were nearly point of aim = point of impact. That demonstrated how well the FDAC worked in warm weather.
This winter I was able to see how the FDAC performed in cold conditions. In cooler, denser air, a bullet requires more elevation correction to get on target than it would need in warmer temps. So I went out one chilly January morning and confirmed that the FDAC can handle cold conditions. The FDAC solutions once again gave me first round hits from 250 yards to 730 yards. The little DA chart put me in the right vicinity for density altitude just by knowing my altitude and making a guess for the air temperature. Since I’ve started using the FDAC I’ve found that the data is either spot on or within about .2 mils of the correct dope at nearly all distances when using the correct density altitude column. This is very impressive. I found that the FDAC delivered practically the same data as popular digital PDAs and field ballistic calculators. But the FDAC can be even faster in use (once you become familiar with its operation), and, at $39.95, it costs a fraction of what a dedicated electronic ballistics solver would cost. The FDAC is practical, very accurate, inexpensive, compact, lightweight and never needs batteries — what’s not to like?
Below is a SnipersHide Video Review of the FDAC Tool
New Enhanced Milspec FDAC Released this Year
Adaptive has put much R&D into the FDAC and it shows. Thousands of Field Density Altitude Compensators have been provided to soldiers and marines, who are making good use of the devices. At the 2011 SHOT Show, Adaptive unveiled an enhanced FDAC, the MILSPEC-XR. This new version includes a new Density Altitude calculator, extended range dope for the .338LM and .300WM, as well as tools for slope dope and moving targets. Adaptive also offers conversion tables and compatibility charts so that the FDAC can be used with other bullets besides the original FDAC default projectiles. (For FDAC owners, the conversion charts are FREE!) The FDAC is truly one of those few products that I wish I had when I was deployed to Afghanistan. I highly recommend it to any long-range shooter using .308 Win, .300WM or .338LM cartridges (with a mil-based optic). For more information, or to order an FDAC tool, visit the Adaptive website, ACTSVirginia.com, or call (540) 657-8541.
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics has announced attractive consumer promotions that can save you hundreds of dollars. From May 1 through December 31, 2011, you can get a $50 mail-in-rebate on all Conquest Riflescopes with Rapid-Z® Ballistic Reticle. Zeiss will also offer a $100 mail-in-rebate on all Victory Riflescopes with Rapid-Z reticle. “Even though the economic outlook is improving, we know there are many people out there who are mindful of every dollar spent,” said Erik Schumacher, president of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. “This is our way of helping hunters’ dollars go further.”
Zeiss Rangefinder Price Cut $100.00
Zeiss is also lowering the price of its Victory Laser RF binoculars by $200 and Victory 8×26 T* PRF laser rangefinder (LRF) by $100. NOTE: AccurateShooter.com recently conducted a comparison field test with the Zeiss Victory Laser PRF, Leica 1200, and the much more expensive Swarovski Laser Guide. The Zeiss Victory LRF ranged as well as the Leica and the Swaro out to 1000 yards, and we found the Zeiss to be easier to hold and aim than both the Leica and Swaro. Even before the price drop, we considered the Zeiss Victory LRF a “best buy”. The Zeiss LRF was the favorite of all three of our testers and it was the unit we eventually purchased with our own money.
Carl Zeiss is also offering special Victory DiaScope Spotting Scope kits at participating dealers. These kits include a DiaScope Spotting Scope (65mm or 85mm, straight or angled), with 15-56x / 20-75x Vario eyepiece and new Zeiss Carbon Fiber Tripod set. Purchasing these items as a kit yields a $300 savings to customers.
Cabelas.com and LaserLyte have teamed up to produce compact laser bore-sighters that fit inside your firearm’s chamber. The laser is housed in a brass assembly machined to duplicate an actual cartridge. To activate the laser, simply place the bore-sighter in the rifle’s chamber and close the bolt. There are two core units, the Laserlyte Cabela’s Premium .223 (collimated lens $99.00) and the Pro .223 (standard lens $69.99). Both the Premium and Pro bore-sighters fit a .223 Rem, but they can be adapted to other chamberings by adding a caliber-specific sleeve over the .223 core unit. In addition, LaserLyte makes separate in-chamber bore-sighters for the 17HMR and 50 BMG.
Adapt Basic Unit to other Calibers with SAAMI Sleeves
Both the Premium and the Professional .223 Boresighters can be used for a variety of chamberings by fitting additional caliber-specific sleeves (sold separately). Each sleeve is precision-machined from brass to SAAMI specs. Available chamber sleeve calibers include:
Bore-Sighting the Old-Fashion Way
We are not big fans of laser bore-sighters, as we think they are unnecessary for most situations — at least with conventional bolt-action rifles. Visual bore-sighting is not difficult. Set up your gun securely on bags, remove your bolt and set up a 50-yard target with a large bright orange or black center circle. Look through the back of the action and you should be able to sight down the bore with your own eyes just fine. In fact it may be easier to bore-sight the “old-fashioned way” rather that try to see a laser in bright sunlight at 50 or 100 yards.
When a Laser Bore-Sighter is Valuable
There are instances when having a laser bore-sighter can save time, such as when setting up a chronograph. Also, with many semiautos and lever guns, it is difficult to sight down the bore because of the action design. Without using mirrors, it’s hard to visually bore-sight an M1 Garand, for example. Likewise, it can be difficult to bore-sight an AR15, because the stock and buffer is in line with the bore. For these rifle types, a laser bore-sighter is a valuable tool.
In-Chamber Laser Should Be Safer
We like the new LaserLyte design because it fits in the chamber, rather than in the bore. In-Chamber laser bore-sighters are also made by Aimshot, Firefield, and SightMark, in a variety of sizes. With muzzle-entry laser bore-sighters, you could have a nasty accident if you forget to remove the device. There is always the chance you could chamber and fire a round with the muzzle-entry bore-sighter still in place. Instant Kaboom. That has happened more than once. The new LaserLyte/Cabela’s bore-sighter fills your chamber, so there is no possibility you could chamber a loaded round with the bore-sighter in place. That’s an important safety advantage. The LaserLyte K-50 in-chamber bore-sighter is shown in the video below.
The April Digital Edition of Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) is now available on the web. Shooting Sports USA is FREE to read online, and you can subscribe for free. As always, SSUSA has match reports and a full calendar of NRA shooting events. This month’s digital edition has a “must-read” section on NRA Rule Changes for 2011. This covers multiple disciplines including High Power, Smallbore Rifle, NRA Pistol, and Action Pistol.
We also recommend Larry Carter’s excellent article on Red Dot Sights (pp. 18-19). Whether you’re a multi-gun competitor, bullseye pistol shooter, or a turkey hunter, we guarantee you’ll learn something new from Carter’s article. Here are some highlights:
Dot Size:Use only as much diameter as you need. Small diameter for bullseye and larger diameters for sports that require moving from target to target. Either way the field of view is unlimited if you shoot with both eyes open.
Mounting:Try to get the [red dot] sight as close to the bore as possible. Consult with your gunsmith about what type of mounting is best for your activity and pistol.
Durability:Leave the dot turned on for the day’s shooting. Saving wear on the control is worth the trade-off in battery life. Most sights will run up to 500 hours on a battery.
Vision:If you don’t see a round dot, ask your eye doctor if you have an uncorrected astigmatism. This is especially true if you have really good vision. The eye doctor will not normally give a prescription to correct a small astigmatism if everything else is OK.
Editor’s Note: Astigmatism IS a major problem when it comes to using red dots. Some years ago I ordered an Aimpoint for an AR. Instead of a nice, distinct round dot I saw something that looked like a little starburst with fuzzy edges. I sent the Aimpoint back, thinking it was defective. But the replacement red dot sight was the same, so I went to my optometrist. It turns out I had astigmatism. Once that was corrected with prescription shooting glasses, I could see a nice distinct round dot. Without correction, it was very difficult to use the red dot sight effectively.
On defensive handguns, we like the option of an easily-activated laser sight. Lasers assist training and help you get your rounds on target even in low light conditions (when sights aren’t visible), or when you are not able to raise the gun to a normal sighting position. The laser gives you the ability to direct fire accurately even when you don’t have the time or ability to acquire a normal sight picture.
Crimson Trace $50 Rebate for April, May, June Purchases
Right now, Crimson Trace is offering a $50.00 REBATE on its LaserGrips and Laser Sight products. The offer applies to items purchased from April 2, 2011 through June 30, 2011. To receive your Mail-ln Rebate after purchasing a qualifying Crimson Trace product, send all the items listed below to: Consumer Rebate — CTC, CS11-7673, P.O. Box 472, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-0472.
Original Store Receipt (dated 4/2 – 6/30/2011) with purchase circled.
Original UPC Code from Crimson Trace Box.
After receiving your submission, Crimson Trace will send a rebate check for $50 via U.S. Mail within approximately 6 to 8 weeks. CLICK HERE for Crimson Trace Rebate Form.
When you purchase expensive optics, you need to be careful about who you deal with, and what you buy. There are an increasing number of forgeries coming in from various parts of Asia. Just recently, three executives of Field Sport Inc. were charged with ‘selling a counterfeit mark’, in connection with Field Sport’s importation of fake EoTech riflescopes. Earlier this month, 900 counterfeit EoTech sights/magnifiers were discovered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspecting a shipment from China. The Field Sports execs were charged with multiple felonies.
Now a fugitive believed to be in China, Yongming “Steven” Sui, 53, chief executive officer of Field Sport Inc., was charged by state prosecutors with two felony counts — manufacturing and selling a counterfeit mark (a form of trademark infringement) and possession of an assault weapon. Also charged in the state criminal complaint were Sui’s colleagues — co-owner Isaac Cheuk Hang Tse, 65, of Rowland Heights, and Pao Sheng Yang, 34, of Corona, the firm’s business manager. Both are alleged to have engaged in manufacturing and selling a counterfeit mark and possessing an assault weapon.
Many Counterfeit Optics for Sale on Internet
In addition to this EoTech situation, there appear to be many other examples of counterfeit optics entering the United States. The Firearm Blog did a quick web search, and found numerous imitation EoTech and Leupold scopes advertised on Alibaba.com, a wholesale site part-owned by web giant Yahoo.com. We suspect the fakes found by the Firearm Blog on Alibaba.com are just the tip of the iceberg. Below is just one of many fakes AccurateShooter.com found on Alibaba.com today (3/30/2011). A 3.5-10x40mm Leupold MK4 M3 Scope is advertised for sale for $750.00:
There’s no way you’re going to get a genuine illuminated Leupold MK4 for $750.00 and we can tell you that the real things don’t come from Indonesia, where this seller is located. We confirmed today with Leupold that ALL MK4 scopes are still made in the USA. The genuine Leupold 3.5-10x40mm MK4 LR/T M3 sells for about $1350.00 in the USA:
If you have any concerns about the authenticity of a Leupold scope you plan to purchase, ask the seller for the SERIAL NUMBER. Then call Leupold support at 1-800-Leupold. Leupold will trace the serial number and determine positively whether the scope is genuine or conterfeit.
As with many optics vendors, EuroOptic.com offers a selection of demo scopes. These were used at trade shows, or were manufacturers’ sample items. Currently EuroOptic.com has many premium European optics in its demo inventory, along with Leupolds and Trijicons. These demo riflescopes (and spotting scopes) are available for hundreds less than the normal price. Here are examples:
EuroOptic.com Now Sells Premier Scopes
EuroOptic.com recently added the Premier line of riflescopes to its inventory. All Premier models feature a one-piece, 34mm main tube with more than 100 MOA of internal adjustment. On all the latest Premier scopes, there is a unique dual-purpose turret on the left side — the outer knob adjusts for parallax, while the smaller inner knob pulls out to adjust reticle illumination. This configuration allows for increased spacing between mounting rings, providing more room for accessories.
The standard reticle in Premier’s First Focal Plane scopes, is Premier’s Gen II FFP mildot. This allows ranging at any magnification. In addition Premier offers the Gen II XR reticle. We prefer this design for varmint hunting and tactical comps. It features a finer crosshair and additional hold-over points in the lower half of the sight picture. For Premier scopes with 1/4-MOA clicks there is also an excellent hold-over reticle with MOA-based stadia (hashmarks.) Horus H37 reticles are also offered with some Premier scopes. Last but not least, Premier Heritage scopes come with articulating lens covers, a nice extra we wish came with more scopes.
Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars recently received the 2010 Sporting Classics Award of Excellence. The Zeiss Victory 8×45 and 10×45 T* RF Binoculars, the world’s first premium binoculars with rangefinding capability, LED display and integrated BIS™ ballistic calculator, were described by Sporting Classics magazine as “the finest example of an integrated binocular and laser rangefinder yet manufactured.” While other binoculars, most notably the Leica GeoVid, have a built-in laser rangefinders, only the Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars provide a built-in Ballistics solver.
Here’s more of what the testers at Sporting Classics had to say: “The RF eliminates the hassles of carrying two separate units, especially the all-too-familiar struggles when switching between them in excitable moments……. In our tests, the RF outperformed all rivals in ease of operation, speed, distance, accuracy and optical quality…….Best of all, resolution, contrast, flare control and overall optical quality showcase Zeiss’s commitment to impeccable performance.”
In a review of the Zeiss RF Binocular for his LongRangeHunting.com website, Len Backus writes: “I was able to show the Zeiss Victory RF 10×45 Rangefinder Binocular unit to several other hunters. Without exception, the first comment was always to marvel at the speed with which the unit returned a range. Only one touch of the main control button is needed. The hunters also liked the ergonomics. The focus wheel turns easily, but not too easily, and it is well located. [The] two control buttons are located well and the unit has a good, solid feel to it. The glass is superb. I thought it was slightly better than that of my Swarovski 10×42 SLC binoculars. Edge to edge sharpness was very good.”
Available in 8×45, 10×45, 8×56 and 10×56, the Victory RF Binoculars have also been recognized by National Geographic Adventure magazine, Outdoor Life and Gray’s Sporting Journal.
“The Hensoldt line offers exceptional quality and versatility for elite marksmen, and Carl Zeiss Sports Optics is pleased to take over distribution of these optics to select dealers throughout the United States,” said Erik Schumacher, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. “At this year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the Hensoldt line was shown in the same booth as the ZEISS Sports Optics line for the very first time and the response from dealers was overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to expanding the footprint of the Hensoldt line in conjunction with our sports optics business.”
A week before the fall Allegheny Sniper Challenge (ASC), I first saw Adaptive’s 
The April Digital Edition of 
We also recommend Larry Carter’s excellent article on 
When you purchase expensive optics, you need to be careful about who you deal with, and what you buy. There are an increasing number of forgeries coming in from various parts of Asia. Just recently, three executives of Field Sport Inc. were charged with ‘selling a counterfeit mark’, in connection with Field Sport’s importation of fake EoTech riflescopes. Earlier this month, 900 counterfeit EoTech sights/magnifiers were discovered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspecting a shipment from China. The Field Sports execs were charged with multiple felonies.
EuroOptic.com Now Sells Premier Scopes
