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June 18th, 2007
The new Nikon Monarch scopes have been eagerly anticipated. Now, finally, we expect the first shipments to hit dealers’ shelves the first week of July. We are especially interested in the new 6-24×50 side-parallax Nikon. SWFA.com and The Optic Zone have priced this scope at $629.95 (Nikoplex reticle), making it hundreds of dollars cheaper than a Leupold 30mm 8-25×50 LRT. The new 6-24x Monarch could be an ideal varminting and general purpose target scope. It features 1/8-MOA clicks, 1″-diam. one-piece tube, 34 MOA elevation, 2.1 mm exit pupil, locking side-focus parallax adjustment, and near-constant 3.6-4.0 inch eye relief throughout the zoom range. Nikon has created a new website showing off the features of all the new Monarchs, including the 6-24×50 and the 5-20×44 zooms. Click HERE to visit the new Nikon Monarch preview website.
June 13th, 2007
 Grafs.com is offering huge savings on the Sightron SIII SS, 6-24×50 side-focus scope. Having made a special buy of this quality optic, item SIIISS624X50, Grafs.com is selling it at just $479.99 while supplies last. That’s $150.00 to $200.00 less than other optics vendors are charging. This scope features a “satin black” finish, plex reticle, 1/4-MOA clicks, tall “target-style” turrets, and a side parallax adjustment. If you contact Graf & Sons, be sure to tell them you heard about this deal on AccurateShooter.com. Note: no further discounts available. $479.99 price limited to supplies on hand. Click HERE for scope specifications.
June 6th, 2007
SWFA.com has a great deal running right now on Leupold scopes and other optics. Purchase a Leupold optic from SWFA and you’ll receive FREE shipping plus a selection of free Leupold shooting accessories. The extra gear you get depends on the item purchased and the sales price, as explained in the graphic below. Click HERE for a larger version of the promo flyer. For more info, call SWFA at (972) 726-7348.
May 24th, 2007
Kowa, a favored brand among Highpower shooters, has started shipping two new lines of spotting scopes, the Kowa Prominar TSN-880 and TSN-770 series. These scopes feature 88mm and 77mm objectives respectively. Multiple interchangeable eyepieces are available including 20x-60x, Zoom; 30x, Wide; and 25x, LER (Long Eye Relief).
The key feature with these new Kowas, compared to previous models, is the quality of the glass and the size of the front objectives. All TSN-series scopes feature C3 fully multi-coated lens systems. The TSN-773/774 models have XD (extra low dispersion) objectives, while the premium TSN-883/884 models feature pure Flourite Glass lenses for reduced chromatic aberration and improved long-range resolution. The Flourite lenses add about $600 to the price of the scopes.
The new Kowas are quite compact compared to most other spotting scopes with similar objective sizes. The highly achromatized objective lens makes the 88mm Kowa as compact as a 60mm class scope, with the light-gathering ability of a much bigger lens. A new internal dual-focusing system also reduces overall length. With large “fast-focus” knob you can focus from 5m to infinity in just two quick revolutions. Kowa also claims the internal focus keeps the image steadier during the focusing process.
Both the TSN-880 and TSN-770 series scopes are offered with either straight or angled bodies. Bodies are magnesium alloy, and the nitrogen-charged housings are fully waterproof–meeting the rigorous standards of JIS Protection Class 7. The new Kowas are sold by Creedmoor Sports, Cabelas.com, and other major retailers. The TSN-771/772s (body only) cost $1,195 at Creedmoor, while the top-of-the-line TSN-883/884s with Flourite glass, run $2000.00.
We hope to test these new Kowas, head to head, against other premium spotting scopes, such as the Zeiss 85mm. Click HERE for a review from a UK birding magazine that concludes the Flourite-glass TSN-883 is nothing sort of outstanding–that it will compete with anything on the market: “With the launch of the TSN-880 series Kowa has clearly thrown down the gauntlet to challenge the Austro-German supremacy that has become widely recognised within the current optics market….This telescope offers almost everything: user friendliness, a large, light-gathering objective combined with a short body…and an image that is apparently second to none.”
Large Photo Side View | Large Photo on Tripod
May 18th, 2007
 Right now, Natchez Shooters Supply has some great deals on Zeiss rifle scopes and spotting scopes. These optics were displayed at the 2007 Shot Show. They are all unused with NO dings, marks or blemishes–merely a few fingerprints. They come complete with full factory warranty. The products available include the excellent Zeiss Conquest, our top choice in a 1″-diameter-tube, 6-20X variable optic. You can save up to 30% off MSRP.
Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20X50 AO MC Riflescope(#20 ZE5214519920): $719.99 ($899.99 MSRP)
Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20X50 AO MC Riflescope (#4 ZE5214519904): $719.99 ($899.99 MSRP)
Zeiss 85mm Spotting Scope (Green Angled ZE528005): $1,124.00 ($1550.99 MSRP)
Zeiss 65mm Spotting Scope (Green Angled ZE528014): $899.00 ($1250.99 MSRP)
Diavari VM/V 3-12X56 T 30MM Riflescope (#8 Matte ZE5217419908): $1,319.00 (MSRP $1649.99)
Diavari VM/V 2.5-10X50 T 30MM Riflescope (#8 Matte ZE5217319908): $1,279.00 (MSRP $1599.99)
May 16th, 2007
SWFA.com always offers competitive pricing on quality name brands including Leica, Swarovski, Leupold, and Bushnell. SWFA.com also offers a wide variety of “show samples” and “demos” in its “Sample List”, which is updated daily. If you’re looking for a premium scope, rangefinder or spotting scope, check the SWFA Sample List first. Today, on the Sample List you’ll find a Leupold 45X Comp series scope for just $799.99 and Swarovski 8×30 LaserGuides for just $749.99. These and other hot deals are listed below:
 IOR 6-24×50 Tactical Scope
Matte finish, illuminated crosshair w/ dot, 35mm tube, side focus, fast-focus eye piece, 1/4-MOA target knobs, includes medium Picatinny rings, ring marks. Stock # 7300.
MSRP: $1,600.00. Sale price: $1,099.95
 Leica 62mm Straight Televid Spotting Scope, Body Only
40108 Model, Silver finish, Aluminum body, fast focus and coarse focus, straight view, used, close to new condition. Body only–no eyepiece. MSRP: $1,200.00. Sale Price: $799.95
 Leupold 35×45 Competition Series Scope (53432)
Matte finish, 30mm tube, target dot reticle, side focus, target knobs. MSRP: $1,250.00. Sale Price: $799.95. Stock #6725.
Leupold 40×45 Competition Series Scope (53534)
Matte finish, 30mm tube, fine crosshair reticle, side focus. 100% new condition. MSRP: $1,249.00. Sale Price: $949.95. Stock #5239.
Leupold 45×45 Competition Series Scope (53438)
Matte finish, fine crosshair, 30 mm tube, target knobs, side focus, super light ring marks, close to new condition. MSRP: $1,249.00. Sale Price: $799.95. Stock #4555.
 Swarovski 8×30 LaserGuide
Laser RangeFinder. Green rubber armored finish, (1500-yard capability), SLC optical quality, close to new condition. This was the top-rated product in AccurateShooter.com’s recent Laser RangeFinder Comparison Test. MSRP: $987.00. Sale Price: $749.95. Dozens of units in stock.
Hundreds of other items are available–rifle scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, and spotting scopes. All items listed are subject to prior sale, and prices may change.
May 7th, 2007
 Remotely-mounted video monitors offer many benefits for precision shooters. With an outboard LCD monitor, one can shoot “heads up” while watching downrange conditions and wind flags. Moreover one will no longer have to struggle with ultra-critical eye relief or strain to stay centered on a tiny exit pupil (as small as 1mm on high-magnification scopes). A remote screen that displays the view from the scope has obvious advantages for disabled shooters, and for military snipers (who can stay completely concealed). Varmint hunters operating at night and in low-light can also benefit, as the image from the scope can be boosted electronically to appear much brighter on the display.
Alamo Four Star of Texas has pioneered a video display for hunters and disabled shooters, the Deros Vision System. In the pictures below, you can see the system mounted on a rifle and also placed on a Deros rifle fixture used by a disabled shooter. Priced at $995.00, the Deros Vision System is not cheap, but its benefits are obvious for special applications. We predict that, with time, major optics makers will all offer some kind of digital viewing system that can function with spotting scopes and rifle optics. The gimbaled mechanical gun fixture, sold separately, can be mounted directly to a wheelchair.
May 5th, 2007
Natchez Shooters Supplies has a great deal right now on the Weaver 6-20×40 Grand Slam scope. It’s priced at $299.00, which is $100.00 off the regular price, and $55 less than the lowest price we found anywhere else. This is a good, durable scope for field use, with multi-coated optics. The sale unit, item SN800592, is the Target/Varminter in the Grand Slam line, featuring low profile target-style finger controls and 1/8 minute of angle (MOA) adjustments. This model has a matte silver finish, fine crosshair with dot reticle, and an adjustable objective. Eye relief is 3-2.75”, overall length is 14.25”, and the scope weighs just 18 ounces. Note, Natchez also has the Weaver T-24 target scope on sale at $299.00, item SN849989, but that is currently out of stock.
April 26th, 2007
Well folks, the speculation is over… Schmidt & Bender has developed a long-range version of its 12.5-50×56 Field Target scope announced last year. Originally built as an air rifle scope for the popular European Field Target discipline, the initial version of this scope had parallax set for a maximum of 70 meters. We reported that this design could readily be adapted for long-range use, and we’ve been proven correct. The new long-range scope adjusts from 50m to infinity and is strong enough to handle any centerfire cartridge up to 50 BMG according to Schmidt & Bender.
This is an exciting product introduction–with S&B’s legendary lens quality, this new scope could set a new benchmark for clarity and resolution in high-magnification zoom scopes. Click HERE to download a Powerpoint presentation with specifications for the new scope. The scope has a 34mm main tube, 70mm eye relief, and a 1.8mm exit pupil at max power. It is currently offered with metric windage and elevation controls, .25 cm per click. NOTE: the North American export version of the scope might feature MOA clicks instead. According to Schmidt & Bender, “a new turret and MOA-based click value (probably 1/8 MOA) are under development”. Two reticles are offered with the scope at this time: 1) a second focal plane “Sport Reticle” which has a “floating” center dot and a lower dot in the bottom half; 2) a first focal plane “Tactical Reticle” with vertical and horizontal hash marks for ranging. We think neither of these reticles is ideal for long-range BR and target shooting. Hopefully, S&B will release a more conventional Fine Cross-hair reticle, or something similar to the Nightforce NP-R2 reticle. There is a discussion of the reticle options on Long-Range.com.
The key questions remain, when will the scope arrive in the USA and how much will it cost? We contacted Mark Cromwell, head of Schmidt & Bender’s North American division today. He confirmed that the new scope will be sold in the USA. Thirty Field Target versions are on order, which Mark hopes will arrive before September. The long-range version will probably not be available in North America before the end of 2007, and it might be January or February 2008 before we see inventory. Cromwell told us that the 12.5-50×56 will likely be priced in the $2600 range in the USA, but that is subject to change. Whether we can expect more reticle choices is unknown at this time. If you have questions about this scope, visit SchmidtBender.com where updates will be posted as available. Click HERE for Large Photo.
 
April 25th, 2007
The big news at the recent NBRSA 600-yard Nationals was Don Nielson’s dominant performance, which included a new 1.776″ 10-shot NBRSA-record group. From a hardware perspective, however, the major story was the 40X ED March scope used by Lou Murdica. With this new, ultra-sharp scope with ED (low dispersion) glass, Lou was able to see his 6mm and 6.5mm bullet holes clearly most of the time, and that helped him aim his shots more precisely. Lou finished third overall, second in two-gun score, and posted the Light Gun high score, with a 50-3X, 1.745″ target.
Until now, ED or low dispersion glass was only available in premium camera lenses or top of the line spotting scopes. This is a significant enhancement for benchrest scopes. “ED” or “LD” stands for low dispersion glass–this lessens chromatic aberration, which can cause an image to look fuzzy. All things being equal, low-dispersion lenses transmit a sharper image because different colors (wavelengths) don’t separate as they pass through the glass.
We have looked through various scopes at 6mm bullet holes at 600 yards. With a Leupold 8-25x LRT you can sometimes (in perfect conditions) see holes in the white but they are fuzzy and indistinct. With 36X Weavers or Sightrons, you have more magnification but most examples don’t have the sharpness to pick out 6mm holes consistently at 600. With a 12-42x Nightforce at max power you can see 6mm holes in the white when conditions are good, but it’s pretty difficult otherwise. With the March, Lou reports: “I could easily see 6mm bullet holes in the white or the blue in the mornings. At mid-day holes in the white were still really sharp, but shots in the blue were getting harder to see. At the end of the day when the mirage was bad, I could still see holes, but you needed to wait for the conditions to clear a bit.” Lou added: “On the March the image is bright and sharp all the way to the edge. It’s really noticeably better at the edges than other scopes.”
If all March 40X ED scopes perform as well as Lou’s, then this is a major advancement that may change the way the 600-yard game is played. If the March scope lets you see your bullet holes reliably, in all but the worst mirage conditions, then that really does give a “competitive advantage” over other scopes. We can expect some 600-yard competitors will trade in their Nightforces for March EDs. Lou tells us “many, many top short-range BR shooters are going with the March–Tony Boyer, Billy Stevens, Mike Ratigan–you name it.” But in short-range BR, it is not the resolving power that has driven sales of the March–it is the tracking reliability. Lou explained “In short-range BR, maintaining shot to shot Point of Impact (POI) is do or die. That’s why guys ‘lock up’ Sightrons and Leupolds. But with the March the POI stays constant. And when you do spin the knobs, you get totally repeatable tracking. I was clicking throughout the 600-yard match–even in the middle of a group. When I came back to my original zero it was always dead-on.” Lou noted: “Since I’ve been using the March, my shooting has improved dramatically. I’ve been up at the top and winning more than ever. Even at 300 yards the March makes a big difference. At the 300-yard Nationals Eric Stanton and I were the only two guys who used the scopes and we cleaned house with those things. I finished second overall and Eric finished first.”
The March scope, built by Koto Precision of Japan, is a 40-power, non-zoom, side-focus design, with 1/8-MOA clicks and 72 MOA of total elevation. Weighing 21.2 ounces, it has a 30mm tube, 52mm front objective, and a 1.3mm exit pupil. In the USA, March scopes are sold exclusively by Kelblys. Price is $2100.00 with a choice of four reticles. For more info, click HERE for the March data sheet.
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