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March 31st, 2011
 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.
BusinessWeek.com reported:
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.
Credit to The Firearm Blog for flagging this story.
March 20th, 2011
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:
Schmidt & Bender PMII 3-12×50 with Illum Gen 2 Mildot – Like New Demo.: $2500.00
Swarovski PV 3-12×50 with Heavy Duplex Reticle – Xlnt condition with very light ringmarks.: $950.00
Zeiss Victory 3-12×56 T* with Rapid Z 800 reticle – Xlnt condition with very faint ringmarks: $1500.00
Zeiss Victory Diavari FL 6-24×72, Illlum. #75 RapZ Varmint Reticle. Like New, faint ringmarks: $2850.00
Zeiss Diascope 85mm Angled spotting scope with 20-60 power eyepiece – Xlnt condition: $1800.00
Leupold Mark 4 M3 LRT10x40 with TMR Reticle – Xlnt condition with extremely faint ring marks: $975.00
Leupold Vari X 3 Tactical 3.5-10×40, Mildot reticle – Xlnt condition, faint ringmarks: $500.00
 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.
March 18th, 2011
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.
February 23rd, 2011
One of the most interesting products we saw at SHOT Show 2011 was a Pentax riflescope with a motor-driven 3-15X power zoom. You can change magnification at the push of a button, just like on a modern camera. We looked through this Pentax “Ultimate Zoom” scope and it seemed clear and sharp. We thought it was a good deal at the normal mid-$300 price. Now get this, even while other vendors are retailing the scope for $349.00, Amazon.com has dropped its price to just $139.95. And shipping is free! This special sale may only last a few days, so don’t delay.
UPDATE: This Scope SOLD OUT at the $139.95 price. Current best price on Amazon.com is $212.99. We told you it was a great deal!
Pentax Marketing Demo — Ultimate Zoom
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Why a Power Zoom Makes Sense
We’re puzzled why this scope is not more popular. We figure that shooters are simply skeptical about new technology. But think about it, you probably have a camera and maybe a pair of binoculars with a power zoom. This technology has been around for years. And, for a hunting scope, it makes great sense. While scanning for prey, you can quickly zoom out for a wide field of view, and then zoom in to make the shot. The unit we looked at worked flawlessly and the battery driven motor was quiet. You control the magnification with a push-pad on a cable. Parallax control is via the adjustable front objective. Honestly, for $139.95, this Editor is very tempted to purchase one myself.
The Pentax Ultimate Zoom features a 30mm main tube, 1/4-MOA clicks, and Plex reticle. It weighs 28.0 ounces and is 14.3″ long. The scope, which is waterproof and fog-proof, is backed by the Pentax “Worry-Free” warranty.
| GREAT DEAL on Pentax Spotting Scopes
While you’re shopping on Amazon.com, you’ll find the straight-body Pentax PF-80ED Spotting Scope on sale for just $619.95, while the angled-body version is just $684.95. Shipping is Free. NOTE: Eyepieces are extra. This is a very high-quality 80mm spotting scope with ED Glass. We’ve tested this spotter, and its performance is very, very close to the finest European spotting scopes costing three times as much. It’s hard to go wrong with a PF-80ED at these prices. Pentax eyepieces for this spotter are superb — some of the best sold by any optics maker.
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February 20th, 2011
Natchez Shooters Supplies is currently running a major promotion on Swarovski optics. If you are looking for an extremely high quality hunting scope or target scope, you should check out the deals at Natchez. Here are some examples:
 Swarovski Spotting Scopes
Swarovski Spotting Scopes and eyepieces are also on sale. The outstanding Swaro 80mm STM HD is marked down from $3,110.00 to $2,520.00, while the compact Swaro 65mm STM 65 (Straight Body) spotter is discounted from $1,521.11 to $1,240.00. The Swarovski Optik 20-60XS Oculars Eyepiece is also discounted from $665.56 to $539.00, a 19% savings.
NOTE: Sale inventories are limited, and prices are subject to change.
Story sourced by Edlongrange.
February 13th, 2011
Bench-Source, founded by David Dorris, President of Vertex Mfg. Corp., and benchrest shooter Darrell Jones, is now producing precision scope-mounting bases for the Savage round-top Target Action. CNC-machined to exact tolerances from 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum, these bases are extremely light (under two ounces) yet strong. Both Picatinny-style bases and Davidson dovetail bases are offered with either zero taper (flat) or with +20 MOA of built-in elevation. Bench-Source rails also feature precision-cut reliefs to match the loading ports on the Savage Target Actions.
The Picatinny (Weaver) base costs $84.95 (either flat or +20 MOA) while the Davidson dovetail base is just $69.95 (either flat or +20 MOA). This is a good price considering the quality of the materials and machining. (The 7075-T6 aircraft grade aluminum is three times as expensive as the aluminum alloy used by some other rail-makers.) Either style base is available with either a “luster” or polished finish. The price includes a Torx wrench and mounting screws.
 
 Technical Specifications
The Picatinny M1913-A Mounting Rail features 14 symmetrically spaced cross-slots. The base is long enough to mount any popular scope. The Picatinny base is approximately .610″ tall. Parallelism deviates less than .002″ between the dovetail clamping area and top of the receiver after mounting. The screws used are #6-48 x 3/8″ long and holes are drilled and counter-bored to the correct depths. This ensures that users will not damage their barrel threads or encounter interference with the locking lugs when closing the bolt.
The Davidson 1/2″ x 60º Mounting Rail dovetail is parallel over its entire length. The rail is held to very tight tolerances to minimize windage correction (at different ring positions). The Davidson rail should self-center on your action when installed per the included instructions. Both ends of the mount are chamfered slightly on a 30° angle to let the sharp corners of the mating rings align themselves without binding. The 60º dovetails are machined +/- .001″ and measured over two optimum-diameter pins to minimize over-clamping of your rings.
For more information, visit Bench-Source.com or phone: (662) 895-0803.
February 10th, 2011
Vortex is an up-and-coming optics maker that has made great strides in recent years. Vortex scopes, spotting scopes and binoculars offer excellent value for the dollar. This year, at SHOT Show, Vortex unveiled its new Viper HS series of scopes, with 30mm tubes and 4X magnification ranges. We checked out the new Viper HS 4-16×50 LR (Long Range) model. This features an exposed elevation turret with Vortex’s CRS zero stop. The 4-16 Viper HS offers 75 MOA of elevation travel (24 MOA per revolution).
 Order Custom-Calibrated Elevation Turret Caps
One thing we really liked about the new Viper series of scopes is the availability of custom elevation turret caps. For about $100.00, Vortex will craft a elevation turret cap with range markings custom-calibrated for the ballistics of your load in your rifle. As explained in the video below, you can go to the Vortex website, and input your MV, bullet BC, altitude and other load variables. Then, using the custom elevation turret cap, simply dial in your target range, and hold ‘dead on’.
New Viper HS 1-4x24mm with TMCQ Reticle
The growing popularity of multi-gun competition has spurred interest in compact, zoom scopes that can switch from a wide-angle, zero magnification view for close work to four- or five-power magnification for long-range stages. Vortex Optics has developed a new scope that should work well for 3-Gun carbines, as well as dangerous game hunting rifles. The Viper HS 1-4x24mm with the TMCQ (Tactical Milling Close Quarter) reticle features a 30mm main tube and built-in illumination with 10 intensity levels with an off position between each setting.
February 7th, 2011
Leupold’s Mark 4 riflescopes are highly respected for their quality of glass, user-friendly tactile turrets, and durability backed up by Leupold’s lifetime warranty. These scopes are favored by police and military shooters. Because of their popularity, Mark 4 scopes are in high demand and retailers maintain pretty high prices. We’ve worked with one of our sponsors to create a very attractive special discount on Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm LR/T M1 scopes, just for our readers.
Leupold 6.5-20x50mm Mark 4 with Leupold Tactical Rings for just $1375.99
Our sponsor DogHouse Outdoors has created a special package with a Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50mm scope, plus Leupold tactical 30mm rings at a super-low price. These rings have an MSRP of $224.00. Through this special offer for AccurateShooter.com readers, you can get the Mark 4 scope, plus genuine Leupold Mark 4 30mm rings (either aluminum or steel), for just $1375.99. And shipping is FREE! Go ahead and comparison shop and you’ll see what a good value this is.
Choose either a mildot reticle or Leupold’s TMR® (Tactical Milling Reticle). Most tactical shooters seem to prefer the TMR, which has fine hash marks. However, in low light, some shooters say the older Mildot Reticle is easier to see.
This is a limited-time offer. DogHouse Outdoors plans to offer this $1375.99 pricing for the next three weeks, through the end of February, 2011. If you have been looking for a high-quality Leupold tactical scope, you should definitely check out this offer.
CLICK HERE for Leupold 6.5-20x50mm LR/T with Rings Package
First Focal Plane, Mil-Mil Version Also Offered
Because most shooters actually are better served with a second focal plane reticle, and the vast majority of American shooters prefer MOA adjustments, the Mark 4 $1375.99 LR/T package scopes come with 1/4-MOA windage and elevation clicks with a second focal plane reticle. However, for those shooters who need a First Focal Plane (FFP) Reticle (for ranging at all magnifications), and mil-based clicks, DogHouse Outdoors is also offering a Mark 4, ER/T M5 6.5-20x50mm package. This features a FFP reticle, and turrets with 1/10 milrad clicks. The price, including Leupold Mark IV 30mm rings, is $1,775.99. That’s 24% off the normal list price (with the $224 rings). Again, this offer is limited in time. Get your orders in before 2/28/2011.
February 7th, 2011
When conditions are absolutely perfect, you can see 6mm bullet holes (in the white) at 600 yards with a premium spotting scope (with at least 45x magnification). But add some haze and mirage into the mix and all bets are off. This weekend, we tested three top-of-the-line “big name” spotting scopes. All three had at least 60X magnification, all had HD glass, and the average price of the three units was over $2500.00 with eyepiece. Even with all those pricey, state-of-the-art optics, on Saturday we couldn’t see bullet holes at 400 yards because of thick mirage and dust in the air.
Quality Target Cams Can Provide Reliable Viewing from 50 yards to 1000+ yards
What can you do if you want to practice at long ranges, and see your bullet impacts — reliably, every time? There are electronic target systems that plot shot locations with sonic sensors or accelerometers, but these are large, complex, semi-permanent installations costing many thousands of dollars. For most shooters, the only practical, field-deployable solution is a quality, wireless target cam system. You can source the necessary components — video camera, transceivers, antennas, batteries, display screen — or you can purchase a turn-key system. There are a handful of target cam systems now marketed for shooters. We’ve tried a couple that did not perform as claimed. But one system that we can endorse without reservation is the Target Cam System from Pro Security Warehouse (PSW). We purchased PSW’s Long-Range Wireless Target Observation System and have tested it outdoors extensively. With a well-illuminated target, this system will reliably display even .22 caliber bullet holes in the black, at distances out to 1000 yards. In order to see bullet holes in the black you may have to increase the contrast or adjust the brightness — but that’s a simple matter of clicking a couple control buttons. During daylight hours, we could easily see all bullet holes, with the camera displaying an area about two feet by two feet square. When shooting at night, you need to illuminate the target with lights.
 PSW Wireless Video Viewing System Components
The PSW Target Cam System costs $1499.00 but that includes everything you need, even tripod and batteries. The target image is captured by a high-resolution, auto-focus color camera with 22X max magnification and motorized zoom. This can be set as far as 30 feet from the target, but we got the best results with the camera positioned about 10 feet from the target, on one side of the target frame. The camera connects to a digital wireless multi-channel transceiver (with high-gain antenna) clamped to the same tripod that holds the camera. A sealed, rechargeable 12V gel cell battery will run the camera for a full day’s worth of shooting.
Pro Security Warehouse Target Cam System Brochure (PDF).
For the shooter’s station, PSW provides a compact transceiver (the size of a smart-phone), plus a rugged color monitor in a padded carry pack. These are likewise powered by a rechargeable 12V battery. Initially, we suspected the 5.6″ monitor was a little on the small size, but it proved more than adequate in use. With the monitor positioned a couple feet from your rifle (either on the bench or on the ground when shooting prone), you can easily see scoring rings, score numbers, and, of course, bullet holes. You may want to fiddle with the color and contrast controls to create the best definition for viewing bullet holes in the black. The resolution is good enough that we could easily make out “doubles” where two 6mm shots landed virtually on top of one another.
One smart feature is that the target display is set for a short time delay. This allows you to turn your head from sights or scope to the display screen and see the bullet hole “arrive” on paper a few seconds after the actual hit. Being able to actually see the bullet hole appear on the target helps you quickly locate the latest shot even if there is a cluster of bullet holes close together. That’s smart engineering.
The PSW system works really well. We have no negatives to report — everything performed as advertised. Are there any improvements/enhancements we would like? Yes — it would be nice if the receiver could output to a laptop computer, so you’d have the option of a larger display screen and so you could capture video of shot strings. We would like PSW to offer an optional, small solar panel that could trickle-charge the unit during use. Lastly, we would like to see PSW offer a lower-cost system that could be used with a user-supplied video camera. We know many shooters already own small video cameras, and this could reduce the overall “buy-in” cost of the system.
Certainly, $1499.00 for the complete PSW system is not cheap. However, when you consider that the PSW wireless viewing system reliably displays bullet holes at long range in all daylight viewing conditions — something not even a $3500.00 spotting scope can do — the system is worth the money for shooters who practice at long ranges. Interestingly, all four testers who looked through the top-end spotting scopes agreed that they would rather have this $1500.00 target cam AND a $1000.00 spotting scope rather than a $2500.00+ spotting scope alone. To learn more about the PSW Target Cam system visit www.ProSecurityWarehouse.com or call (407) 447-1637.
February 5th, 2011
Experienced tactical shooters will tell you that a first focal plane (FFP), mil-mil scope is the smart way to go — if you need to range targets at unknown distances. This gives you mil dots for measuring the size of a target, a reticle that can range at all power settings, plus 1/10th mil-radian turret clicks for compatibility. There are a lot of “tactical” scopes marketed these days, many of which are just medium-power target scopes with bulky turrets. The top-end tactical scopes do offer the right combination of features, but you can easily spend $2000.00 or even $3000.00 on a good FFP mil-mil optic.
Save Hundreds on 30mm, Mil-Mil Illuminated Bushnell Tactical Scopes
With its Elite 4200 series of tactical scopes, Bushnell has created a truly affordable series of quality 30mm-tube, mil-mil optics. The FFP Elite 4200s rival some tactical scopes costing twice as much (honest). And right now you can save even more. Through the end of February 2011, MidwayUSA is offering huge discounts on the Bushnell 4200 FFP 3-12x44mm and 6-24x50mm tactical scopes. Both these scopes feature FFP mildot reticles, 30mm tubes, 1/10th mil adjustments, and illumination. And the prices are amazing. The 3-12X is marked down from $849.99 to $594.99, a $255.00 savings. The 6-24X price has been slashed from $999.99 to $699.99, a $300.00 savings.
Go ahead and comparison-shop the price. We think you’ll find these deals hard to beat. And this scope comes with all the right features out of the box. Here’s what one 3-12x44mm owner says: “This is the best scope [value] on the market right now that offers mil/mil, good glass, tactical turrets, [and] rugged reliability. [T]his scope has optics as good as my Vari-X-III 4.5-114x50mm and is mil/mil and more rugged! Great scope!”
Midway’s prices are good through 2/28/2011. If you need a good tactical scope for under $700.00 these Elites will do the job. And for those who want a solid hunting scope with good glass, MidwayUSA is also discounting the Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10X50mm scope with illuminated T-Dot Reticle. The rugged 2.5-10X features 1/4-MOA clicks, and is now just $405.99 on sale, marked down from $579.99.
Note: As Bushnell’s Elite 4200 series scopes have somewhat limited elevation range compared to the high-dollar tactical scopes, we recommend mounting these optics on a +10 or +20 MOA rail.
Free Rain Suit with Purchase of Any Bushnell Elite Riflescope
As an added incentive, Bushnell is offering a FREE two-piece olive drab rainsuit to all purchasers of Elite riflescopes. To get your rain suit, just send in the product UPC code, a copy of the sales receipt, and $15.00 to cover shipping and handling. This offer is good through 12/31/2011.
CLICK HERE for free Rain Suit Offer
Story Sourced by Edlongrange. Disclosure: MidwayUSA advertises with this website.
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