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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.
February 4th, 2011
Great deals on Swarovski and Zeiss Demo riflescopes are available right now through Cameraland. These are mostly demo items used in trade shows. You can save up to $500.00 on some of these items from Zeiss and Swarovski. Cameraland explains: “As all of these items are limited quantities we have not posted all of them on our web site so please feel free to call Doug or Neil at (212) 753-5128 to place an order.” Supplies are limited. These prices only apply to special demo inventory in stock — when they’re gone, they’re gone. All orders over $100.00 include Fed Ex ground shipping to a street address in the USA. Editor’s NOTE: There is not enough room to list all the sales items. Other, lower-power demo riflescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars are also on sale. Call for more info.
Zeiss
Conquest 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope:
#20 Z-Plex Reticle – $629.99, reduced from $749.99
#71/#72 Rapid Z-600 or Z-800 Reticle $649.99, reduced from $824.99
Conquest 4.5-14×44 Riflescope:
#72/#73 Rapid Z-800 or Z-1000 Reticle – $699.99, reduced from $874.99
#43 Mildot Reticle, Target Turret- $749.99, reduced from $949.99
Conquest 4.5-14x50mm Riflescope:
#72/#73 Rapid Z-800 or Z-1000 Reticle – $769.99, reduced from $924.99
#43 Mildot Reticle, Target Turret- $749.99, reduced from $949.99
 Conquest 6.5-20x50mm Target Turret Riflescope:
#20 Z-Plex – $759.99, reduced from $999.99
#4 – $759.99, reduced from $999.99
#43 Mildot – $799.99, reduced from $1049.99
#73 Rapid Z-1000 – $869.99, reduced from $1074.99
#75 Rapid Z-Varmint – $869.99, reduced from $1074.99
#521777-9920 Diavari 4-16×50 T* FL Riflescope 2nd IP 30mm tube, with #20 Z-Plex Reticle, Hunting ASV only $1999.99, reduced from $2499.99
Swarovski
All of these riflescopes are in as new condition and come complete same as a new one, in their original box/packaging.
#59027 Z3 4-12×50 BRX Riflescope only $799.99. This scope is normally $1299.00. It is on Anniversary Sale promotion right now @ $999.00.
#59212 Z6 1.7-10×42 4 Riflescope only $1349.99 This scope is normally $1899.00. It is on Anniversary Sale promotion right now @ $1699.00.
#59613 Z6 3-18×50 4A Riflescope only $1549.99 This scope is normally $2229.00. It is on Anniversary Sale promotion right now @ $1999.00.
#59617 Z6 3-18×50 BR Riflescope only $1599.99 This scope is normally $2299.00. It is on Anniversary Sale promotion right now @ $2069.00.
#59887 Z5 5-25×52 BRX Riflescope only $1299.99 reduced from $1639.00.
SPECIAL: AT 80 HD Spotting Scope #49214 with 20-60x Zoom Eyepiece only $1399.99 (Display Item from Dealer that sold off inventory.)
Story Sourced by Edlongrange.
February 2nd, 2011
If you need a good, basic, reliable 3-9X40 hunting scope, Natchez Shooting Supplies is offering great deals right now on Nikon ProStaff and Omega riflescopes. You can select among a variety of reticles, including medium plex (NikoPlex) and bullet-drop compensation (BDC). Sale scopes are offered in Matte Black, Silver, or Real-Tree Camo finishes. While discounts vary, prices on many of these scopes have been slashed 30% below normal levels. For example the Nikon ProStaff 3-9×40 Matte is now just $109.95, marked down from $159.95, a 31% savings. Nikon binoculars are also on sale.
CLICK HERE for Natchez NIKON Optics Sale
Story Sourced by Edlongrange.
January 28th, 2011
Schmidt & Bender has a very impressive new tactical scope in the PMII (Police and Marksman) line, the 3-20x50mm PM II/LP/MTC/LT. A first-focal-plane design, the new 3-20X PMII features very bright glass, and a double-turn, locking elevation turret. The scope can be ordered with a variety of reticles, and either 1/4-MOA clicks or one-tenth milrad clicks, with MTC turrets.
First delivered in late 2010, this unit has already drawn praise from the tactical community. JR, posting on SnipersHide.com Forum, declared: “I had the opportunity yesterday while at the Modern Day Marine show in Quantico to take a look at the new 3-20×50 PM II and to say that it impressed would be an understatement. The overall size was right between the 3-12 and the 4-16 and the 50mm objective is perfectly proportioned to this optic. Locking MTC turrets are very user friendly and it’s nice to have the option to leave them in the unlocked position when needed. Having a parallax range of 25 metres to infinity can also be very beneficial in many circumstances. Overall I was very impressed with the newest PM II … this scope will most definitely be sitting on one of my rifles before the year is over.” Another observer, writing in the Optics Talk Forum states: “If money is no object, consider the Hensoldt. But I think the scope that will be hardest to beat in the high-end tactical market will be the Schmidt & Bender 3-20.” That’s probably an intelligent call. However, at $3100.00+ per unit, we wonder how many shooters can actually afford the new 3-20x50mm PMII.
New Illuminated 1-8×24 Hunting and Multi-Gun Scope
At about $1899.00, Schmidt & Bender’s new 1-8x24mm Zenith scope is considerably less expensive. This scope is designed for short to medium-range tactical use, multi-gun competition, and hunting. One nice feature is that the scope has a “pure 1-power” setting that is 100% parallax-free. There will also be an illuminated version offered for $2149.00 US.
January 26th, 2011
Alan Orr of Sightron unveiled some impressive products at the 2011 SHOT Show. The first is a fully upgraded Sightron SIII 10-50X60mm LR scope. When first introduced in 2010, Sightron’s 10-50X scope became an immediate “hit” with AccurateShooter.com readers. The 10-50X offered seriously powerful magnification with reasonable weight — all in an affordable package. With “street price” under $1000.00, the Sightron 10-50X was much less expensive than rival “big-name” scopes with comparable magnification. As first released, Sightron’s 10-50X scope was a smart choice for F-Classers and long-range benchresters. For 2011, the 10-50X scope has been made even better, yet the price has stayed pretty much the same. That’s the kind of progress we like.
As upgraded, Sightron’s 10-50x60mm scope has new target turrets, a new reticle option (hash marks with center dot-in-circle), and dual-color, selectable illumination. At around $995.00, this scope is in a class by itself. Looking at the offerings of other scope-makers, you’d have to pay hundreds more to get a comparable 50-power riflescope with reliable tracking and good glass. Yes the Schmidt & Bender 12-50X scope is better, but the S&B costs three times as much as the Sightron. The Sightron 10-50X’s price to performance ratio makes it a very attractive choice for F-Class and long-range Benchrest.
 Exclusive ‘Sneak Preview’ of
New 1-7X Sightron ‘Tactical Hunter’
After showing us the updated 10-50X scope, Sightron’s Alan Orr gave us an exclusive look at Sightron’s prototype 1-7X Tactical/hunting scope. This all-new scope offers wide field of view, selectable illumination and choice of 1/3 MOA or Centimeter clicks. This versatile, illuminated riflescope can be used for everything from tactical matches to big-game safaris. We definitely expect to see this compact 1-7X illuminated optic on many multi-gun rigs in the months ahead. The “street price” for the new 1-7X is expected to be right around $950.00. Expect the first units to ship in 120 to 150 days (i.e. at the start of summer).
January 25th, 2011
New March 3-24x42mm FFP Tactical Scope
Every year, a visit to the Kelbly’s booth is one of the highlights of our SHOT Show experience. This year, Jim Kelbly showed off an impressive new First-Focal-Plane 3-24x42mm March Tactical Scope. We were impressed with this new scope. It offers a wide range of magnification in a compact design. As first glance you think you’re looking at a 4-12X optic, not a scope with 24-power on tap. The scope is intelligently laid out — with mil clicks to match the mil reticle. Notably, the elevation turret delivers a full TEN mils per revolution. That is the same as Nightforce’s “high-speed” mil turret, and the ten mils of “up” should get you all the way to 1000 yards with most popular cartridges. If you’re a tactical shooter looking for a mil-mil scope you should check out the new 3-24X March. We think it is very competitive with anything out there, and it is a lot more compact than many scopes in the 20-24X power range.
Kelbly’s Also Builds Complete Rifles
Along with March scopes and Kelbly/Stolle Actions, the Kelbly booth had a stunning F-Class rifle on display, with a 10-60X March scope on top. This red and black beauty belongs to Jim’s son, Ian Kelbly. It features a polished Stolle Panda F-Class action, pillar bedded to a Precision Rifle & Tool laminated F-Class stock. This was the stock design Charles Ballard used to win back-to-back U.S. F-Class Championships. Jim noted that Kelbly’s continues to offer a full range of gunsmithing services, from barrel chambering to building complete rifles — with your choice of Kelbly stocks or third-party stocks.
January 24th, 2011
The big news at the Nightforce Optics booth this year involved Nightforce’s “High-Speed” turret design. First introduced on select models in 2010, now the “high-speed” turrets will be installed as standard equipment on Nightforce’s full line of NXS riflescopes (except compacts). The “High-Speed” turrets basically double the amount of elevation (or windage) travel you get with one full revolution of the turret. Previously, a Nightforce elevation turret delivered 10 MOA of elevation adjustment with one 360° turret rotation. Now, with the “High-Speed” turrets, Nightforce scopes will yield twenty (20) MOA of elevation travel with one full revolution. The “High-Speed” windage knobs will now give 10 MOA of travel in each direction. For mil-based turrets, the amount of elevation travel (per revolution) has been increased from 5 mils (per 360° spin) to 10 mils.
The doubling of adjustment travel (per revolution) really is an important upgrade that should make Nightforce scopes more user-friendly and fool-proof. For most popular cartridges, you should be able to go from 100 to 1000 yards within one 360° spin of the elevation turret. This means you no longer have to worry about which revolution you’re on. There are highly visible index numbers on the turret, so you should be able to just dial an index number (e.g. 9, 12, 18) to zero at any distance from 100 to 1000.
New Velocity 600 and Velocity 1000 Ballistic Compensating Reticles
Nightforce will also introduce two new “Velocity” reticles in the summer of 2011, one for 600 yards max, and the other for 1000 yards max range. These will initially be available for the 3.5-15X and 5.5-22X scopes only. Both NF “Velocity” reticles are basically Bullet Drop Compensating reticles that provide hold-over lines for particular yardages. But, you might ask, “How does Nightforce know the ballistic drops for my particular cartridge?” Here’s how it works — the customer sends in his bullet type, bullet BC, and muzzle velocity. Then Nightforce picks one of five (5) calibrated “Velocity” reticles, selecting the hold-over reticle design that most closely matches the actual trajectory of your loads. For most hunters using a common cartridge, one of the five Nightforce “Velocity” reticles should provide a good fit to your load’s ballistics. This isn’t revolutionary — Burris, Leupold, and Zeiss all offer something similar, but it’s good to see Nightforce add this reticle option to its lineup.
January 21st, 2011
Yes, bigger is better. Leupold has upgraded its popular “folded-light-path” compact spotting scope, by adding an HD-glass, 80mm front objective and boosting the magnification up to 60-power. That will give this NEW scope better low-light performance and higher magnification while retaining a usable exit pupil (if you increase magnification without increasing the front lens diameter, the exit pupil shrinks). The unit costs $1800, not bad considering the price of other 80mm spotters, and the Leupold is much easier to carry, given its compact design.
Bigger Objective, Better HD Glass, More Useful Magnification Range
We’ve always liked the Leupold compact spotter because it is light weight and it’s Newtonian (folded light path) design makes it much more compact than most spotters of comparable magnification. The U.S. Military currently uses the Mark 4 “tactical” version of the Leupold 12-40x60mm spotter. However, we felt that the glass in the 12-40 spotter was not on a par with the latest generation HD spotters from Kowa, Zeiss, and Leica, or even Nikon and Pentax for that matter. Leupold has taken a huge step forward by gracing its new spotter with a big, HD (low dispersion) front objective. This should give the scope better perceived sharpness with much less color fringing (chromatic aberration) when viewing targets at long range. Upsizing the objective to 80mm makes the scope brighter, improving low-light performance. That’s important, particularly for tactical guys and hunters. The bigger objective also allows Leupold to increase magnification all the way from 40X to 60X. Do you always want a 60-power view? No, but it is great have 50% more magnification on tap when you need it.
60X is a Good Thing for Target Shooters
Most 40-power spotting scopes struggle to resolve 6mm and 6.5mm bullet holes at 600 yards. With HD glass and 60X magnification, you’ll have a much better chance to see small bullet holes at long range (though you’ll also need good viewing conditions). That’s a huge advantage for the long-range target shooter. Overall, we were very pleased that Leupold engineered this much-enhanced 80mm spotter. We predict it will be a big hit with anyone who needs serious magnification in an easy-to-carry optic.
January 20th, 2011
A riflescope that zooms in and out with the push of a remote button may seem like technological overkill. But think about it — most common point and shoot cameras these days offer power zoom and auto-focus. Modern binoculars have image stabilization and other high-tech features. There’s no reason a riflescope shouldn’t benefit from useful technologies we’ve already adapted to other optical products.
Pentax Marketing Demo — Ultimate Zoom
The new Pentax “Ultimate Zoom” scope got little press when it was launched in mid-2010. But we think it may be a true trend-setter. The big advantage for a varmint hunter is that you can keep your eye on the target. You don’t have to raise your head up or move your hand away from your firing position (see video above). With this scope you can zoom from 3X to 15X without changing your grip on the rifle or moving your head away from the scope. In the field, the batteries can last many months. The Pentax Ultimate Zoom typically retails for about $349.00 street price. However, Amazon.com currently offers the Ultimate Zoom for just $199.99 — a very good deal. In the video below you’ll see a product demo from SHOT Show.
January 18th, 2011
 During Media Day we kept our eyes out for new multi-gun gear, since 3-Gun Competition is becoming so popular. At the Surefire booth we ran into 3-Gun Ace Barry Dueck (pronouned “Duke”). Barry demonstrated the side-mounted iron sights he produces for AR-type carbines (actually these sights can work on any rifle that has suitable rails).
Running a combination of a magnified, 1-5X Leupold on top with iron sight mouted at a 45-degree angle on the sides, Dueck can rapidly transition from optics to irons. The top scope works great for longer shots, but Dueck finds he can engage close targets more quickly (and accurately) with the iron sights. While some other 3-gunners run a magnified optic on top and a red dot sight on the side, the use of two (2) glass optics puts a 3-gun competitor in a different division. Dueck’s Rapid Transition Sight (RTS) System, allows him to compete in the single-optics classes. The side-mounted irons are also more foolproof than any electronic sight, as Dueck explains in the video below.
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