While this site is primarily about accurate rifles, we know many of our readers enjoy handgun shooting also. Here are four videos that can help readers improve the speed and accuracy of their pistol shooting. You may never win a Bianchi Cup title, but these tips can help in a club IDPA match, or the pistol stages of your next 3-Gun match. The star of these videos is Doug Koenig, 19-time Bianchi Cup champion. Koenig, who has won numerous National and World pistol titles, is considered by many to be the best action pistol shooter on the planet. His speed, consistency, and accuracy are without peer.
Keep Both Eyes Open
When shooting a pistol two-handed, “on the clock”, it’s almost always better to shoot with both eyes open. And during a “move and shoot” action pistol match, you surely want to have both eyes open. Keeping both eyes open improves depth perception and helps with target transitions.
“To me it’s very simple — I wouldn’t drive my car with one eye closed. I wouldn’t walk around the house with one eye closed. To me, it’s all about your vision, your depth perception.” — Doug Koenig
With both eyes open you’ll have better depth perception and peripheral vision, Koenig says. Moreover, you will also be able to transition from target to target more quickly. In a timed, multi-target stage, you’ll want to move your head/eyes to the next target right after you break a shot. You’ll find that you will then reflexively move the handgun on to the new target when you swing your vision on to it. Don’t linger on the target you just shot — move to the next.
Acquire First Target
In this video, 18-Time Bianchi Cup Winner Doug Koenig explains how to acquire your first target quickly, and make sure your first shot is a hit. Doug notes that a perfect first shot will positively affect the many shots that follow in a competition:
Make Fast Follow-Up Shots
In this next NSSF Video Koenig demonstrates how to make Fast Follow-Up Shots and how to transition from target to target quickly. Grip, stance, consistency are all important Doug explains.
Trigger Press and Trigger Control
In this fourth video, Koenig talks about key techniques that apply to all pistol marksmanship — not just speed shooting “on the clock”. With any handgun, Doug explains, you should focus on consistent trigger control. You want to avoid yanking the trigger or anticipating recoil.
Doug Koenig’s List of Championships:
10-time World Champion
19-time Bianchi Cup winner
2016 NRA World Shooting Champion
More than 70 National Championships
6-time World Action Pistol Championship Winner
3-time World Speed Shooting Champion/Steel Challenge
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Over the past 12 months we have seen noteworthy innovations in riflescopes. Some very impressive scopes were showcased at SHOT Show 2023, including the impressive ZEISS LRP S3 FFP optics, and a stunning $5790.00 10-60X Schmidt & Bender. Advanced technology is also being integrated into modern riflescopes, as witnessed by a new Burris optic with a digital display linked to a Ballistic App via Bluetooth.
Gun blogger Jonathan Ocab, a very skilled shooter with both rifles and cameras, visited the booths of numerous optics makers at SHOT Show 2023. In this Sunday Showcase, Jonathan reviews some of the most notable riflescopes seen at SHOT Show. This article features seven optics brands: ZEISS, Sightron, Schmidt & Bender, Leupold, Tangent Theta, Burris, and Bushnell.
ZEISS LRP S3 Scopes — Class-Leading Elevation and Good Value
I stopped by the ZEISS booth to check out the ZEISS LRP S3 scopes that were released in the latter half of 2022. The ZEISS LRP S3 is available in two core models: 4-25x50mm and 6-36x56mm. Both scopes have 34mm main tubes and the minimum parallax distances are 16.4 yards and 10.9 yards for the 4-25X and 6-36X scopes, respectively.
The ZEISS LRP S3 scopes earned attention because the 4-25x50mm version has 46.5 MRAD/160 MOA of elevation travel while the 6-36x56mm has 32 MIL/110 MOA elevation travel. The 32 MIL elevation range of the 6-36X is exceptionally good while the 46.5 MIL elevation travel of the 4-25x50mm is best in class. Nothing else out there really rivals this. The Zeiss LRP S3 turrets and knobs are smooth, with the elevation and windage turrets having tactile clicks with no springy play from click to click.
Optically, they looked very good and in discussions with people who have LRP S3 scopes, they all indicated the LRP S3 was their favorite scope before stepping into the realm of Kahles, Zero Compromise Optic, and the other very pricey optics.
The ZEISS LRP S3 has an MSRP of $2199.99 and $2499.99 USD for the 5-25x50mm and 6-36x56mm versions, respectively. Given the features and capabilities of the LRP S3 series, I am surprised more people are not using them for NRL22/NRL22X and PRS Rimfire competitions. [Editor: The word is getting out and, and yes, more ZEISS LRP S3s are being used now at NRL22 and PRS rimfire matches.]
Sightron SVIII 5-40×56mm ED FFP
While not new, I needed to check out the Sightron SVIII 5-40x56mm ED FFP which has been out for nearly a year. Sightron’s current flagship scope, the SVIII 4-40x56mm, has a 40mm tube main tube which facilitates the 40 MIL elevation and 20 MIL windage adjustments. The SVIII offers the choice between a traditional crosshair reticle with hashes (LRM reticle) or a tree-style reticle (MH-6).
The extra-low dispersion glass in combination with their MC-777 Fully multi-coated optics provides top tier image quality in a package that carries an MSRP of $2899.
Schmidt & Bender 10-60×56mm Scope
Schmidt & Bender showed off its new 10-60x56mm scope. This 10-60x56mm uses a 34mm main tube and I am going to guess that this impacted the elevation travel as the specifications indicate it has only 25 MRAD available. Note that I say ‘only’ because 30 MRAD of elevation travel is becoming a common benchmark in the industry for long range precision rifle scopes.
The S&B 10-60x56mm is oriented towards competitive rifle shooters including F-Class, benchrest, and (extreme) long range shooters. This is reflected in the M1FL reticle that is used for the 10-60x56mm.
Note that the M1FL lacks a tree-style reticle and keeps the field of view clear with a basic crosshair reticle with MIL graduations. It is also important to note that the 10-60x56mm will be available in a Second Focal Plane (SFP) MOA scope with adjustment values of 1/4 or 1/8 MOA.
Schmidt & Bender is supporting either standard 0.1 MIL adjustment turrets or 0.05 MIL using their Multi Turn II turrets. The scope displayed had Mil turrets and was First Focal Plane (FFP). But S&B has posted: “MOA shooters take note: Soon, the 10-60x56mm will be offered with a Second Focal Plane MOA-based reticle and corresponding turret configurations with click values of ¼ or ⅛ MOA. So stay tuned.”
The 10-60x56mm also has the illumination and parallax adjustment on the same turret. While this is not new to scopes in general as many manufacturers do this, many previous S&B scopes have a separate reticle illumination knob which would affect what scope mounts could be used.
Given the reticle choice and the ability to go very fine on the turret adjustments, I feel that this scope will be sought after by F-Class and Benchrest shooters. Not to mention the 60X maximum magnification will turn the rifle scope into a spotting scope as needed (e.g., seeing hit locations when shooting on paper as opposed to electronic targets). The S&B 10-60x56mm is not a scope meant for the NRL/PRS type shooter.
Scopelist.com shows a starting price of $5790.00 for the the Schmidt & Bender 10-60x56mm. There is also a version priced at $5940.00, making this one of the most expensive optics on the market.
Leupold’s New Mark 5HD 2-10×30mm
I went to the Leupold booth to discover a new Mark 5HD iteration in the form of the 2-10x30mm optic. It is quite apparent, based on the magnification range, that new Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm is meant to compete in the Low Power Variable Optic (LVPO) arena. However, unlike other LVPOs, the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 has adjustable parallax from 40 yards to infinity — thank you Leupold!
The new Mark 5HD has the typical features found on prior Mark 5HD scopes including a 35mm main tube, locked elevation turret, capped windage turret, and the mini-throw lever on the magnification ring.
The Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30mm will be available in MOA with the PR1 reticle and in MIL with the TMR reticle (either illuminated or non-illuminated), and all are First Focal Plane. The MSRP is $1999.99 for the non-illuminated reticle versions and $2499.99 for the illuminated version.
Tangent Theta TT735P 7-35x56mm
Those who prefer top-tier scopes will be enamored with the new Tangent Theta TT735P scope. Tangent Theta, a Canadian company, produces very exacting scopes that are renowned for their high degree of quality including optics, functional performance, and construction and durability.
The new TT735P from Tangent Theta is a 7-35x56mm zoom scope with a 56mm objective. Unlike the other Tangent Theta models already in production which have a 34mm tube, the TT735P uses a 36mm tube. The TT735P has the same tool-less zeroing turrets which are highly regarded in existing Tangent Theta scopes.
10M Minimum Parallax Distance
The one huge feature in the TT735P is that it has a minimum parallax of 10 meters, which makes it viable for high-end rimfire platforms (e.g. NRL22/PRS). I really do not know how to convey the quality of the TT735P scope to anyone who has not handled a Tangent Theta before. The turrets are superb in tactile feel and the tool-less turret re-zeroing capability is a very exceptional (and useful) feature. This scope also offers a lockable diopter.
The new TT735P scope is one very pricey optic. The Tangent Theta 7-35×56mm is listed on the Armament.com website as ranging from USD $6,369.00 to USD $6,872.00 depending on reticle.
Gen 3 XR reticle is one of the reticle offerings for the TT735P (Source: ATI/TT)
Burris Optics 4-20x50mm Veracity PH with PEK
There is one quite notable new scope that I wanted to bring up that I saw during SHOT Show 2023 and that is the Burris Optics Veracity PH 4-20x50mm.
The Veracity PH is a 4-20x50mm riflescope with a 30mm main tube. It has a MOA reticle with 66 MOA and 37 MOA travel available on 1/4 MOA elevation and windage turrets, respectively. This sounds like a very hunter-oriented scope given the relatively short amount of elevation travel and the fact that it is in MOA. So, given the basic specifications, the Veracity PH is nothing spectacular to behold. That is until you learn more about the Programmable Elevation Knob (PEK) that is featured on the Veracity PH scope.
The PEK elevation knob does not have tactile clicks like a normal turret would and freely spins (albeit with tension). The reticle moves up and down mechanically with the erector as it normally should. However, the elevation turret is tied to the PEK system to control a digital display inside the scope’s sight picture. Note: Cant/bubble level is not visible in this photo.
The display shows a distance, the windage hold, and the rifle cant (level). The distance and windage hold values are based on the ballistic profile that will be synced with the scope via the Burris Connect phone App over Bluetooth. Note that you can elect to display the distance (that the elevation knob is set to given the ballistic profile) in yards or meters, or display the MOA dialed on the elevation turret.
The cant/bubble level in the digital display is probably the highlight feature for me as this gets a level reference in the same plane of vision as the sight picture. No changing focus to the scope rail, scope mount, or the physical scope where a bubble level may be attached. The shooter can stay on target with the sight picture and see the level of the scope (and rifle).
Furthermore, the Burris Optics representative indicated that you can set the zero of the level using the Burris Connect App. The Burris Optics Veracity PH 4-20x50mm has an MSRP of $1200.00.
Bushnell Optics Match Pro ED 5-30×56mm
Affordable Bushnell 5-30x56mm Match Pro
I made sure to visit Bushnell to see the new Bushnell Match Pro ED 5-30x56mm scope. This scope came out in December 2022 and is getting positive buzz because of its good glass quality and feature set at a $699.99 price point.
The Match Pro ED is a 5-30X magnification scope with a 56mm objective and 34mm main tube. It has locking turrets with a zero-stop for the elevation turret, and 30 MRAD and 14.5 MRAD travel for the elevation and windage, respectively.
The elevation knob has 10 MRAD per revolution for clear, easy to read graduations. The minimum parallax is 15 yards making this suitable for rimfire matches like NRL22. It comes with the Deploy MIL 2reticle, a tree-style illuminated reticle.
SHOT Show exhibition lighting is bad, but the glass looks solid. The fact that this scope is sold out at Bushnell could indicate that consumers are already clamoring for this scope.
About the Reviewer — Jonathan Ocab
Jonathan Ocab publishes various shooting sports articles on his Ocabj.net Blog and shooting sports videos on his YouTube channel.
A former High Power Service Rifle competitor (Distinguished Rifleman), Jonathan is now primarily a recreational shooter in pistol, rifle, and rimfire, with a heavy emphasis on the latter as he is currently the NRL22 Match Director at his local range. See SoCalNRL22.org.
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There is one day left before Christmas, but there are still bargains to be had. if you’re shopping for a new riflescope, you’re in luck. ScopeList.com is running a Holiday Sale on a variety of popular optics brands. Most sale prices are good through the end of the year. CLICK HERE for Special Bargains.
Here are the featured deals on ScopeList.com. However, there are many dozens of other optics products on sale — rifle scopes, red dot scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and more:
CLICK HERE. That will launch a PDF version of the sale flyer below. While viewing the PDF file, you can then click on individual sale items. You will also see rifles on sale.
For a benchrest, F-Class, or ELR competitor, the optic may easily be the most expensive component of the rifle. Even a hunter may spend as much on glass as he/she does on the rifle itself. Because scopes represent such a big investment, it is important to do some research before deciding what to buy.
Unfortunately, it is pretty much impossible to “test drive” a half-dozen or more optics. Thankfully, there are some video reviews on the internet that are, for the most part, helpful. Here we provide five scope comparison tests, with different price points, high to low.
1. Nine Long Range Scopes Compared by Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical (PPT) published lengthy comparison of nine long range scopes. For each model PPT examined clarity, eye relief, reticle design, parallax, and windage/elevation travel. PPT also provides short videos for all the scopes showing the operation of the controls. FULL PPT REVIEW HERE.
NINE Long Range Scopes Compared
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50mm
2. Vortex Viper PST II 5-25×50mm
3. Leupold VX3i LRP 8.5-25×50mm
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56mm
5. Burris XTR II 5-25×50mm
This 5-scope comparison test by Armslist Media yielded some surprises. All the scopes in the review retailed for $1500 or less. Most offer 5X at the low end and 20X or 25X at the high end. Three provide a four times zoom ratio, while the SIG Whiskey5 has a five times ratio and the Leupold VX6 has a full six times zoom ratio, with its 3-18X lens. That’s good for varmint hunters who often scan a wide field of view and then zoom in on a critter to make the shot. We think all these scopes offer good value for the money. We add that anyone considering these optics should also look at the Zeiss V4 line which offers outstanding glass at very competitive prices. The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm is just $1199.00 at EuroOptic. The Zeiss V4 would be one of our first choices for a SFP varmint scope, no doubt about it.
4. Trijicon TR23 5-20×50mm
5. SIG Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x50mm
3. Five Sub-$1000 Scopes Reviewed by Precision Rifle Network
If you are looking for a moderate-priced optic for a PRS or hunting rifle, consider one of the scopes featured in this comparison review. These all offer 24-25 powder at the high end, plenty of magnification for PRS/NRL matches. This video compares the controls of all five optics, and there are through-the-lens views showing the reticles on each optic. The tester criticized the SIG Tango for “scope shadow” in view, and overly complex labeling on the knobs. He liked the Burris XTR2 saying it “is a well-respected optic in the precision rifle community … it is basically ‘bomb-proof'”, but he felt that Burris glass color fidelity was not on a par with the Vortex or Nightforce. (7:58). NOTE: the Nikon Black FX1000 series has been discontinued so these optics are available now at very attractive prices. Even before the price cut, the reviewer said “Guys, for the money, I’m not sure there’s another scope on the market that can compete with this thing.” (7:12). The 4-16x50mm FX1000 is just $649.99 at EuroOptic.com — a steal. We’ve used the 5-25x50mm FX1000 scope reviewed in this video — it has truly excellent glass, albeit stiff knobs.
FIVE $1000 Scopes Compared
1. Burris XTR2 5-25×50mm
2. Nightforce SHV 4.514x50mm
e. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24×50mm
.22 Plinkster is an honest tester who shoots thousands of rimfire rounds every year. So he’s in a good position to review budget-priced scopes designed for rimfire rifles. Because rimfire rifles have a different kind of recoil pulse than centerfire rigs, and because rimfire rifles are often shot rapid fire at plates, with hundreds of rounds fired in an afternoon, you want to find a scope that has been thoroughly tested to ensure long-term durability. Among the dozen scopes he tested, .22 Plinkster favored the Bushnell Rimfire Series: “I’ve used these [Rimfire Series] scopes a lot. These scopes, for the price point… you can’t go wrong.” He also recommended the Vortex Crossfire scope, noting that it had very clear glass and a rock-solid, transferrable lifetime warranty: “Vortex is one of my favorite scope to use, and as a company they really stand behind their products.”
5. Budget Optics for AR-Platform and Defensive Rifles
AR-platform rifles used for 3-Gun matches and home defense purposes don’t need high-magnification optics. Instead you want something that allows rapid target acquisition and has illumination for low-light situations. This video covers three budget-priced AR optics, two one-power Red Dots, and a Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SLx ACSS scope, which is offered in both SFP and FFP versions starting at $389.99 (not $289.99 as stated in video). A similar illuminated scope (with a better warranty), is the Vortex 1-6x24mm Strike Eagle, currently $299.99 on Amazon with BDC3 reticle.
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This is one of the best new pistol accessories we’ve seen in the last decade. The Leupold DeltaPoint Micro is a capable Red Dot optic that mounts on the back of a pistol slide, fitting the normal rear sight slot. That’s very clever. This Micro is much smaller than a typical red dot sight, making this a viable option for a concealed carry pistol. That is a very big deal. You can aim considerably faster because you don’t need to worry about front/rear sight alignment. Plus the battery-powered Red Dot gives a gun owner the ability to aim effectively in dark conditions. Just put the 3 MOA Red Dot on your target.
DeltaPoint Micro Features:
Low Profile Design. Sits so low on the slide that it replicates the same sight plane of iron sights, making it more intuitive to use and more concealable. Fast and Easy to Mount. Mounts directly to rear dovetail — no need to have slide milled or altered. Circular Optic Ring. Acts like a ghost ring sight if the battery dies. Smart Shut-off. Built-in motion sensor shuts off Red Dot after 5 minutes of inactivity, preserving battery. Adjustable Brightness. The 3 MOA Dot has multiple brightness settings. Enclosed Diode. Placed inside the housing, the diode is protected from moisture, dirt, and debris. Lifetime Guarantee. Unlike most electro-optics products, the DeltaPoint Micro is guaranteed for life.
The DeltaPoint Micro is 2.25″ long and 1.25″ tall, while weighing just 1.1 ounces. It’s a direct replacement for the rear factory iron sight and mounts at the same height. Keeping the same height makes it easier for iron sight shooters to adjust to a new system. The Red Dot also aligns with the front sight, making target acquisition fast and intuitive.
Tim Lesser, Leupold’s V.P. of Product Development, is proud of the new DeltaPoint Micro: “No red dot on the market is more compact; its low height-to-bore replicates the same sight plane that iron-sight shooters are used to, allowing for intuitive target acquisition.”
CCW Holders are the “target market” for Leupold’s new, low-profile Red Dot product: “For shooters who need a red dot sight for their personal carry pistol, the DeltaPoint Micro is a rugged reflex sight that delivers rapid target acquisition, increased accuracy … in a sleek, low-profile design.” This is not an inexpensive accessory. The MSRP is $519.99 for either Glock or S&W versions.
Leupold currently produces DeltaPoint Micro optic models for Glock and Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, with more versions (for other guns) likely to be released later in 2021.
Real World Review from The Shooting Wire Shooting Wire Editor Jim Shepherd got a DeltaPoint Micro for testing, and quickly saw its potential: “I decided to mount [the DeltaPoint Micro] on my first-generation M&P Shield. The inability to put an optic on it had become a real problem. To the point it was resting in my safe, not riding in the holster where it accompanied me for several years. The problem wasn’t the Shield, it was my aging eyeballs. I can’t see the sights well enough to shoot [the M&P Shield] accurately.
Even without a lot of range time in on the DP-Micro equipped-Shield, I’ve shot it enough to realize I’m more accurate — and considerably faster — than with iron sights. No more ‘searching’ for a front sight. Now, I’m using dry-fire practice to ‘re-learn’ the Shield with this new optic.” READ FULL Report.
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We first ran this article in 2012, and it was very well received. Since then, many Forum members have requested an explanation of MILS and mildots, so we decided to run this feature again…
In this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Instructor for the 1st Ranger Battalion, defines the term “MilliRadian” (Milrad) and explains how you can use a mildot-type scope to range the distance to your target. It’s pretty simple, once you understand the angular subtension for the reticle stadia dots/lines. Cleckner also explains how you can use the milrad-based reticle markings in your scope for elevation hold-overs and windage hold-offs.
Even if you normally shoot at known distances, the hold-off capability of milrad-reticle scopes can help you shoot more accurately in rapidly-changing wind conditions. And, when you must engage multiple targets quickly, you can use the reticle’s mil markings to move quickly from one target distance to another without having to spin your elevation turrets up and down.
WEB RESOURCES: If you want to learn more about using Milliradians and Mildot scopes, we suggest the excellent Mil-dot.com User Guide. This covers the basics you need to know, with clear illustrations. Also informative is The Truth about Mil Dots by Michael Haugen. Mr. Haugen begins with basic definitions: 1 radian = 2 PI; 1 Milliradian (Milrad or ‘Mil’) = 1/1000th of a radian; 1 Milliradian = .0573 degrees.
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We’ve found eight great discount/rebate programs. These can save you money on ammunition, security safes, optics, or a new firearm. Some of these rebates are worth $75 or more. For example you can save $75 on a Rem varmint rifle or $75 on a Savage rifle. Note: most of these promos are good through summer, but some deals expire April 30, 2020 — just two days away. So don’t delay if you want these deals!
Remington Rifle and Shotgun Rebates
Get $100 rebate on Remington Versamax Shotguns. Receive a $75 rebate on Rem V3 Shotguns and Model 700 Varmint Rifles. Get $50 rebate on Rem Model 870 Super Mag Shotguns.
Start Date: 2/1/2020 End Date: 4/30/2020 ACT SOON!!
Get up to $75 Back From Savage
Purchase any Savage MSR and receive $75 back with a mail-in rebate. Or, buy any Savage A or B series rifle and receive $50 back with a mail-in rebate.
Start Date: 2/27/2020
End Date: 5/1/2020
Free Ammo with Rimfire Gun Buy
Buy any brand rimfire rifle or handgun plus 2 boxes of CCI rimfire ammo and CCI will rebate the purchase price of one box of ammo up to $20.
Start Date: 1/1/2020
End Date: 12/31/2020
Get up to $100 BACK ON Federal Ammo
Receive $5 back per box when you purchase select Federal Premium varmint and predator ammo. Minimum of 4 boxes and maximum of 20.
Start Date: 1/1/2020
End Date: 4/30/2020 ACT SOON!!
Springfield M1A Mags + Scope Mount
Receive a FREE Scope Mount and 2 additional magazines with the purchase of any new M1A rifle. This is a $265 Value!
Star Date: 3/1/2020
End Date: 5/31/2020
20% REBATE on Browning Ammo
Receive 20% back on all Browning ammunition with mail-in rebate. Maximum rebate of $25.
Start Date: 4/16/2020
End Date: 5/12/2020
Leupold Binocular Bonus
Here’s a nice bonus that hunters can really use. If you buy Any Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide Binoculars and receive a FREE Leupold Binocular Chest pack, a $99 value. These packs are nicely may and comfortable, and can also be used to carry a Laser Rangefinder, Kestrel or more.
Start Date: 3/30/2020
End Date: 5/31/2020
Free Ammo with Hornady Security Products
Hornady is offering FREE Critical Defense® Ammo (value $68) when you purchase Hornady Security products: RAPiD Safe 4800KP RFID, RAPiD Safe 2700KP/2600KP, RAPiD Safe AR Wall Lock or AR Gunlocker, RAPiD Safe Shotgun Wall Lock, RAPiD Safe Night Guard, RAPiD Safe Ready Vault, RAPiD® Safe 2700/2600, and RAPiD® Vehicle Safe RFID.
Start Date: 1/1/2020
End Date: 12/31/2020
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Optics companies from around the globe had scores of new scopes and optics products on display at SHOT Show 2020. We visited Athlon, Burris, Bushnell, Leica, Leupold, Kahles, IOR/Valdada, March, Nightforce, Sightron, Swarovski, Vortex, and Zeiss displays. Here are some of the notable scope and optics products we saw this year.
Vortex Optics — Viewing Vortex Scopes with Carl Bernosky
One of the highlights of our show was meeting our friend Carl Bernosky at the Vortex Booth. Carl, a 10-time National High Power Champion, showed us the Vortex Golden Eagle. This affordable 15-60x52mm Second Focal Plane (SFP) optic is very popular with F-Class competitors, as it offers a 4X magnification range all the way up to 60 power. The Golden Eagle’s $1499.99 price is 40% less than some other brands with similar specs.
March Optics — New PRS Scope, New Genesis
At the March Optics booth we met Gary Costello, a talented British F-Class competitor. Gary showed us a number of new offerings, including March’s new 4.5-28x52mm PRS Scope (above). Compact and light weight (29.8 oz), this features a 25° wide angle, fast-focus eyepiece and HM lens technology with two new reticle options. This new scope boasts a whopping 36 Mils elevation and 20 Mils windage travel.
Also new for 2020 is March’s 5-42x56mm FFP Long Range Tactical scope suitable for PRS, ELR, and long range hunting. This boasts 40 Mil elevation, 14 Mil windage, and two new reticles, one of which is a tree reticle optimized for ranging and rapid hold-offs/hold-overs. This features a 26°, fast-focus eyepiece. Weight is 33.5 ounces.
This is the new 4-40x52mm FFP “Mini Genesis” featuring High master lens technology. This boasts 86 MILS of elevation, 24° fast-focus eyepiece, and zero set elevation. The Genesis technology provides an optically-centered lens capable of engaging targets up to 3 miles.
Leica — New 5-30x56mm PRS FFP Scope
At the Leica pavilion at SHOT show, we checked out the Leica’s new PRS 5–30x56i riflescope (SRP: $2,895) This is an impressive First Focal Plane (FFP) scope with 6X zoom, and a full 32 MILS (100+ MOA) of elevation range. This scope comes with a zoom ring throw lever and zero-stop turrets. Leica will offer the PRS 5-30x56i scope (MSRP $2699.00) with three reticle options: iL-4A, iBallistic, and iPRB. The iPRB is a modern “tree” reticle designed with input from Precision Rifle Blog (PRB) editor Cal Zant. CLICK HERE for PRB full report.
Zeiss — Rings with Integrated Level, Ultra-Compact Binoculars
At the Zeiss booth we checked out the beautifully-crafted Zeiss Precision Rings with level. Offered in both 30mm and 36mm, these rings feature an integral anti-cant bubble level in the top half, easily visible from any shooting position. Constructed of 7075-T6 aluminum, these rings are available in low, medium, and high heights, all with matte-black, hard-anodized finish. Also new this year are ZMOAi-T20 and ZMOA-T30 reticles for the Zeiss Conquest V4 riflescope line.
Hunters and sportsmen should check the ultra-compact Victory Pocket 8×25 binoculars. These feature a unique off-set hinge, allowing them to be VERY slim when folded. These binocs blow away anything we’ve ever seen that is so compact and easy to carry.
Nightforce — New SOCOM FFP Scope and new NX8 series
At the Barrett booth we viewed Nightforce’s new SOCOM 7-35x56mm F1 Scope developed for the U.S. Military. Called the P-VPS for “Precision Variable Power Scope”, this features a Termor 3 Reticle and integrated top rail for mounting a laser. Nightforce’s MIL-SPEC ATACR™ 5-25×56 F1 and the MIL-SPEC ATACR™ 7-35×56 F1 variants of the Nightforce Optics ATACR product line were selected by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to fill the Precision-Variable Power Scope component of the Miniature Aiming Systems – Day Optic (MAS-D) Program.
For 2020, Nightforce will also be selling new NX8 riflescopes, with an 8X zoom, evolved from Nightforce’s NXS series. The NX8 2.5–20x50mm F1 is available in MOAR and Tremor3 reticles . Likewise the NX8 4–32x50mm F1 is offered with MOAR ($2,150 MSRP) and Tremor3 ($2,400 MSRP) reticles. Both NX8 scopes feature DigIllum reticle illumination, ZeroStop technology, and either MOA or mil-radian adjustments.
Swarovski — Z8i Series with 8X Zoom Ratio
At the Swarovski Booth, a SHOT Show attendee checks out new reticle options.
At SHOT 2020, Swarovski showcased its impressive Z8i series riflescopes, which offer 8X zoom range. These, we think, are particularly good for long range hunters. You get a wide field of view for scanning, then plenty of magnification for a precise shot at very long range. There are five Z8i models: 1-8x24mm; 1.7-13.3x42mm; 2-16x50mm; 2.3-18x56mm; and 3.5-28x50mm.
Konus — Universal Cantilever Scope Mount
If you need more forward placement of a long optic, Konus has an effective new accessory. Attached to a Picatinny rail base, the new Konus Universal Adjustable Cantilever scope mount ($89 MSRP) allows you to move your optic forward. It adjusts from 6.5 inches to 8.3 inches in length, with seven settings in between. The mount fits both 1-inch and 30mm riflescope tubes. We also like the fact that this simplifies movement of a scope from one rifle to another.
Could this be the world’s smallest spotting scope? Well the Noblex NS 8-24×50 ED is certainly the world’s smallest spotter with high-grade ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. Crafted in Germany by Noblex GmbH, this mini-spotter weighs just 1.17 lbs. (530 grams) with eyepiece. As you can see, the entire unit could easily fit in a glovebox, and yes, we were impressed with the quality of the glass despite the small size. Could this be the ideal competition spotter for watching mirage during a match? 24-power is plenty for that task.
100+ More Optics Products — Specifications and Photos
Want to see more Riflescopes, Spotting Scopes, and Rangefinders? CLICK HERE for the SHOTBusiness.com 2020 Optics Guide. This features specifications and prices for 100+ products.
If you’re like most of us NRA members, you get a copy of American Rifleman magazine in the mail every month. It’s an excellent publication. You may not know that there is a TV version of the magazine — American Rifleman on the Outdoor Channel. This quality television series is broadcast via cable television, and many episodes can be streamed live through the internet, so you can watch on your mobile devices.
The 2019/2020 American Rifleman new season kicks off in a few weeks. In the meantime, you can watch some interesting past episodes. There are a dozen American Rifleman videos on the Outdoor Channel Preview Page. In addition, numerous ad-free episodes are available on YouTube.
Leupold Factory Tour:
Founded in 1907, Leupold & Stevens produces high-quality optics (with a legendary warranty) in Beaverton, Oregon. Leupold scopes are favorites for hunters as well as competitive shooters. In this episode, American Rifleman TV takes a tour of the Leupold & Stevens factory in Oregon.
Nosler Hunting Rifle Showcase:
Nosler doesn’t just sell bullets and loaded ammunition. Nosler also crafts high-quality Nosler-branded hunting rifles. This video covers the creation of a Nosler rifle start to finish in Nosler’s production facility in Central Oregon. Nosler has offered rifles since 2005. Nosler’s goal was to offer quality hunting rifles that “must be simple, rugged, fully weather-resistant, and provide minute-of-angle accuracy with readily available factory ammunition.”
Springfield Armory M1A Review:
The Springfield Armory M1A is a civilian, semi-auto rifle based on the U.S. Military’s M14. Your Editor owned an M1A, and it was a fun gun. In High Power and Service Rifle competition, low-recoil 5.56 (.223) AR-platform rifles have displaced the M1A, but there is a hugely popular Springfield M1A Match every year at Camp Perry. The M1A Match at Perry offers over $25,000 in cash and prize awards each year.
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Are you shopping for a long range optic? Unfortunately, it is pretty much impossible to “test drive” a half-dozen or more optics. Thankfully, there are some video reviews on the internet that are, for the most part, helpful. Pew Pew Tactical (PPT) recently did a lengthy comparison of nine long range scopes. For each model PPT examined clarity, eye relief, reticle design, parallax, and windage/elevation travel. For each optic PPT also provides short videos showing the operation of the controls. FULL PPT REVIEW HERE.
NINE Long Range Scopes Compared
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50mm
2. Vortex Viper PST II 5-25×50mm
3. Leupold VX3i LRP 8.5-25×50mm
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56mm
5. Burris XTR II 5-25×50mm
This is actually a pretty good video. The host, Joel, tests and compares the Leupold Mark 5 vs. the Athlon Argos. Joel considers a variety of performance categories including clarity, tracking, elevation travel, ergonomics, and reticle options. This video asked the question “Can a $400 scope hang with a much higher priced optic?” You might be surprised how well the Athlon actually did.
Kalibre 22 — High-End Tactical Optics Comparison
In this video, Todd Hodnett explains the pros and cons of different brands and types of scopes. Scopes tested include Horus, Leupold, Nightforce, Schmidt & Bender, and Vortex. He uses the scopes in the field, and actually does a pretty good job describing the pros and cons of each model.
Top 10 Reviews — Manufacturer Marketing Videos Compilation
This video covers ten different scope models, from budget to high-end. For the most part the scopes appear in cost order, with the more affordable optics first. This YouTube video is mostly pieced together from manufacturer marketing footage, but it does cover a wide variety of scope options.
Please note, the above video does has some actual review segments, but nearly all the content is provided by the scope makers. So the Top 10 rankings are somewhat arbitrary. Nonetheless it is handy to have ten scopes covered in a single video. In order of appearance, here are the ten scopes featured, with video time marks if you want to “fast forward” to particular models.
TEN Scopes In Order of Display
10. Burris Veracity Riflescope: 00:23
9. Vortex Viper PST Gen II Riflescope: 01:24
8. Nikon BLACK FX1000 Riflescope: 03:18
7. ATN X-Sight 4K PRO Riflescope: 04:29
6. Bushnell Engage™ Riflescope 06:00
5. Leica Magnus i Riflescope: 07:50
4. Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56mm F1 Riflescope: 08:29
3. Vanguard Endeavor RS IV Riflescope: 10:31
2. Leupold Mark 8 Riflescope: 12:33
1. Swarovski Z8i Riflescope: 14:21
Great Deals on Vortex Now
Looking for a great deal on a new scope? Leading vendor EuroOptic has a wide variety of Vortex Scopes at deeply discounted close-out prices now:
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At SHOT Show 2019, some of the most impressive new products were in the realm of scopes and electro-optics. We are seeing big companies like Leica, SIG Sauer, Swarovski, and Zeiss moving big-time into the technological marriage of microchips and lenses. With the release of the $4500 Swaro dS, a scope with no manual windage or elevation controls, we are really entering a new era in aiming systems for shooters.
Swarovski dS Rangefinder Scope with Ballistics “Brain”
Swarovski rolled out a new flagship scope this year at SHOT Show, the remarkable dS 5-25×52 P. This $4500+ wonder features a built-in laser rangefinder (like the Burris Eliminator). But there’s more — working with a smartphone App, the dS incorporates a sophisticated ballistics computer that calculates your trajectory at any distance and then displays an aim point on your reticle. It even adjusts the aim point for the wind (with data entered wirelessly via mobile device).
This really is a state-of-the-art electro-optical system. However, there are some negatives to consider. First there are no conventional elevation or windage knobs/turrets. So, if your battery dies in the field, you are SOL. (FYI that big “turret” in the middle is actually just a battery and tool holder). Secondly, all that smart calculation depends on extremely accurate BC and velocity data. If you switch ammo, and don’t have an accurate velocity or BC, you won’t get the right solution and there are no knobs to turn to fix that. The dS will give you an aim point, but it might not match your true ballistics. (NOTE: There are hidden mechanical controls for setting your zero, but these are not intended for conventional shot to shot adjustments).
High-Magnification Competition Scopes
Kahles K1050 — Central Parallax, Great Glass
Kahles scopes are now being used by many of the top shooters in PRS game. Kahles optics offer great European glass, precise controls, and some unique features. Our readers may not realize that Kahles makes an outstanding high-magnification zoom scope suitable for long-range benchrest and F-Class comptition, the Kahles K1050. This 10-50x56mm optic has a unique centrally mounted parallax control — great for lefties or guys who run a left port/right eject. The Kahles K1050 has a true 8 meters to infinity parallax adjustment range making it suitable for everything from Field Target air gun, 1000-yard competition, and long range tactical. The Kahles K1050 costs $2899.00 — that’s midway between a Vortex Golden Eagle and a 10-60x56mm March High Master (starting at $3425.00).
Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm
Sightron offers a very affordable 10-50x60mm scope in its SIII optics line. There is a special version for Field Target competition that comes with a “Big Wheel” parallax control. Field Target competitors use the Parallax control to determine target range.
ELR Scope — For 2 Miles and Beyond
March 6-60X Genesis with 400 MOA elevation
A typical premium riflescope might have 50-60 MOA of elevation. That’s enough for shooting out to 1500 yards or so with a high-BC bullet launched at 2900 fps. But for Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting you need more elevation adjustment, and that’s where the innovative March 6-60X Genesis optic stands out. This unique optic offers a whopping 400 MOA of elevation adjustment. That ample elevation doesn’t come cheap however — the 6-60x56mm Genesis sells for $6950.00. CLICK HERE for full specifications.
Lightweight Hunting Scopes
As scopes have grown increasingly sophisticated and complex, they have also become bulkier and HEAVIER. That’s a big deal for a hunter who may be carrying a rifle, plus another 20-30 pounds of gear and food/water. The average dear hunter will be taking a shot well inside 400 yards so he doesn’t need 25X power or fancy features. He does need clarity, good low-light performance, and reliability — and LOW WEIGHT. We think a good deer hunting scope should come in under 1.5 pounds (without rings). Here are two smart hunting optics, both under 20 ounces.
Leupold VX Freedom — 12.2 ounce Weight, Simple, Affordable
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm weighs just 12.2 ounces and street price is under $200. It has a 4.7mm exit pupil, 60 MOA of elevation, and a 33.7 ft Field of View at 100 yards.
Zeiss 3-12x44mm Conquest — 18.2 ounce Weight, 90% Light transmission, 4X Zoom
These riflescopes were designed as a lightweight, high-performance product line for demanding hunting and shooting applications. The Zeiss 3-12x44mm Conquest delivers 90% to-the-eye light transmission, along with 70 MOA of both elevation and windage travel. This premium second focal plane scope weighs just 18.2 ounces, slightly over one pound.
Compact Spotting Scopes for Field Carry
Many shooters and hunters don’t want or need a heavy, bulky spotting scope. They need a spotter to see mirage, and to deliver more magnification than can be comfortably handheld with binoculars. For hunters, weight and overall size are key. The hunter wants a spotting scope that can be packed and carried easily. Here are two clear, sharp spotter options in a smaller format. The Leupold Gold Ring 15-30x50mm Compact Spotter is particularly well-suited to hunters and tactical shooters.
Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 60ED-A
Small but powerful — that describes the Nikon 60ED-A Monarch Fieldscope with 16-48X eyepiece. This unit delivers big spotter performance in a much smaller package. It focuses fast and showed very good sharpness though we observed the image darkens at higher magnifications. This has ED glass and Nikon’s proprietary “field flattener” lens system that enhances sharpness throughout the entire field of view.
Leupold 15-30x50mm Gold Ring Compact Spotting Scope
The affordable Leupold Gold Ring Compact Spotter offers 15-30X magnification. That’s plenty for spotting game or viewing mirage. This unit is remarkably compact and we like the simple right-side focus knob. Half the size of typical spotting scopes, this Compact Leupold spotter weighs just 21.5 ounces (1.34 pounds).
Superb Binoculars — When Cost is No Object
Leica Noctivid 8x42mm Binoculars
Our Hunting Editor Colton Reid is a Ph.D. who works with specialized electro-optical devices costing over $30,000. So he knows a few things about light waves and glass quality. When he looked through the 8×42 Leica Noctivid his comment was simple but telling: “These are the best compact binoculars I’ve ever looked through. The clarity and brightness are truly exceptional”. At nearly $2700.00, Noctivids are crazy expensive, but the quality will be worth it to some buyers.
Parting Shot — Think about the Warranty BEFORE You Buy
This patched-up Razor spotting scope was on display at the Vortex booth. We actually know the history of this particular spotter — it belonged to one of our Forum members. He sent this busted unit back to Vortex, and Vortex sent him a brand new Razor spotter. That Forum member told us: “Vortex earned a customer for life when they replaced my spotter, no questions asked. When Vortex says its warranty is ‘Unlimited, Unconditional, Lifetime’, believe it.”
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Shooting Industry Magazine just released its December 2018 issue, which you can read for free online. This December issue includes a SHOT Show Preview, but more importantly, there is also a 24-page New Product Showcase. Here you can see a variety of new products, including those from some of our favorite manufacturers: McMillan (MC3), Leupold, Warne, Vault Pro, Champion and more…
The new 
Affordable Bushnell 5-30x56mm Match Pro
Real World Review from The Shooting Wire
In this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Instructor for the 1st Ranger Battalion, defines the term “MilliRadian” (Milrad) and explains how you can use a mildot-type scope to range the distance to your target. It’s pretty simple, once you understand the angular subtension for the reticle stadia dots/lines. Cleckner also explains how you can use the milrad-based reticle markings in your scope for elevation hold-overs and windage hold-offs.
