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June 19th, 2023

BargainFinder 404: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.

1. Amazon — RCBS Supreme Master Reloading Kit, $343.99

⏺ All tools needed to hand-load in one great kit

This RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit makes it easy to get started reloading — with everything you need into one package. The kit includes: RockChucker Supreme Master Reloading Press, Universal Case Loading Block, .17-.60 Debur Tool, M500 Mechanical Scale, Uniflow III Powder Measure, Hand Priming Tool, Hex Key Set, Case Lube Kit, Powder Funnel, and Speer Reloading Manual. Right now this kit is just $343.99, a 33% savings!

2. MidwayUSA — Vortex Optics Sale with 15% Savings

⏺ Major Savings plus 15% Discount Code: VTX060123

If you’re in the market for a new scope, spotting scope, or red dot sight, check out the Midway Vortex Optics Sale. A wide variety of optics products are on sale this week with a special 15% Off promotion. Hunters should check out the Fury HD5000 Rangefinding Binoculars. These are now $1499.99 — $500 off MSRP. NOTE: Along with the discounted list prices, on qualifying Vortex optics you get an additional 15% Off with Discount Code VTX060123.

3. EuroOptic — Sako S20 Close-out Sale, Save $400-$600

⏺ Save HUNDREDS on outstanding SAKO S20 rifles, multiple calibers

The SAKO S20 is a truly outstanding hunting rifle. It offers a smooth action, great trigger, excellent accuracy, and a convertible stock. Right now at EuroOptic.com you can save $400-$600 on a new SAKO S20 in a variety of popular chamberings. 15 different caliber/stock combinations are on sale, with discounts from $450-$600. Shown above are six notable deals, but there are many more. CLICK HERE to see all S20 Close-out offerings.

4. Locked & Loaded — SAR USA 9mm Pistol w/optic, $319.99

⏺ Accurate, 9mm pistol with installed Red Dot at great price

Here’s a quality 9mm pistol with a slide-mounted red dot sight for under $320 — a truly great deal. This SAR USA Mete 9mm pistol comes complete with a modern red dot sight fitted on the slide. This pistol features a Safari tan frame, black slide, and 17-round magazine. If you want to get started in IDPA or action pistol competition, this is a great option. The SAR pistol grip is very comfortable with good ergonomics — better than Glock in our opinion.

5. Graf & Sons — Caldwell Accumax Carbon Fiber Bipod Sale

⏺ Save up to 23% on carbon-legged bipods

Caldwell Accumax Carbon Fiber Bipods offer excellent performance for the price — and you can save 13% to 23% right now at Grafs.com. Caldwell’s Carbon Fiber Bipods feature quick-deployment carbon fiber legs with 90-degree forward or backward locking with spring-loaded buttons. The Premium Carbon Fiber Bipod also features an omni-directional ball mount for 360-degree panning, a lever lock handle for fast adjustments, and twist-lock leg length adjustments. Seven different Caldwell carbon bipods are on sale.

6. Creedmoor Sports — T-7 Adaptive Press, $719.95-$789.95

⏺ New advanced turret with wedges to hold multiple die diameters

The T-7 Adaptive Press is the result of collaboration between Creedmoor Sports and Redding. The Creedmoor Sports T-7 Adaptive Press combines the time-tested Redding T-7 turret press with the precision-machined, stainless steel Creedmoor Sports Adaptive Press Head. The T-7 Adaptive Press incorporates an innovative Wedge die insert system. This allow handloaders to use more robust 1-1/4″ dies as well as standard 7/8″ dies.

7. Amazon — Digital Micrometer, $39.99

⏺ Very good unit for the price, with nice, large display

Want to upgrade to a digital micrometer? The REXBETI Digital Micrometer is a very good value at $39.99. With accuracy to 0.0001″, this will provide ultra-precise measurements. The unit is easy to use and has a large, clear LCD display. This comes with a nice hard case for storage and protection. NOTE — this type of micrometer does NOT work for measuring case-wall thickness. You’ll need a ball micrometer for that task.

8. Palmetto SA — Leupold Binoculars and Harness Kit, $119.99

⏺ Save 40% now on Leupold Binoculars and Harness

Hunters and varminters need binoculars. A great option is the Leupold BX-1 Timberline 10×42 Binoculars with Go Afield Harness. Right now this combo is just $119.99, a 40% savings off the regular $199.99 price. But act soon — we expect this deal to expire soon. These Leupold binoculars offer solid reliability and quality glass in a lightweight package. This combo includes the excellent, adjustable GO Afield binocular harness, that will hold your binocs and other items securely all day long.

9. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer, $54.49

⏺ Very good brass drying unit, now with a big discount

Do you wet-tumble your brass but hate drying it? For a fast and easy way to dry cartridge brass, we like the Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer. The-top mounted fan and temperature adjustment of up to 160 degrees allows for quick drying of up to 1000 pieces of brass. There are 5 removable, internal trays. That makes it convenient to dry multiple types of brass at the same time.

10. Amazon — Walker’s Slim Electronic Muffs, From $39.99

⏺ These NRR23 muffs have earned excellent customer reviews

All shooters need quality ear protection — and electronic muffs are a good option. The Walker’s Slim Electronic Muffs, with 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating, offer excellent performance for the price. These ear muffs protect against hazardous noises, while still letting you hear range commands. These comfortable, low-profile design muffs have earned an 86% 5-star rating among buyers. A number of color options are offered, starting at $39.99. One recent buyer posted: “At this price point, these are as good as it gets. They do a great job at the gun range and allow you to still talk to people at a normal conversational level.”

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Handguns, Optics No Comments »

January 8th, 2021

New-for-2021 Products from Vortex — Binocs, Bipods, Red Dots

Vortex just released its new products for 2021. The stand-outs include new Rangefinding Binoculars with Applied Ballistics software, and four new tripods that should please hunters and tactical shooters. This 2021 lineup also includes two new prism scopes for the Spitfire line, and a solar-operated SPARC red dot sight. All of these new Vortex optics and tripods are available for pre-order now at EuroOptic.com.

Fury 5000 HD RangeFinder Binoculars with In-Display Ballistics

Vortex 2021 Fury HD 5000 AB Vortex Fury HD 5000 AB Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
We’re excited to see Vortex’s new Bluetooth-compatible Fury HD 5000 AB rangefinding binoculars. The new 10x42mm Fury HD 5000 AB employs Applied Ballistics software to provide Ballistics solutions visible in the Binoculars. That’s an impressive feature. Vortex brags that the new Fury 5000 HD AB can “solve long-distance shooting with the push of a button”. These binoculars feature in-display wind/drop ballistics solutions, wind bearing (angle) capture mode, plus built-in environmental sensors.

In-display wind/drop solutions via integrated Applied Ballistics® Elite Solver
Pairs with Kestrel® wind meters and Applied Ballistics® Garmin® devices
Customize ballistic profiles via the Fury HD App
Fury HD 5000 AB, $1,999.99 MSRP ($1499.99 at EuroOptic)

New Vortex Tripods — Three Carbon Options

Vortex 2021 carbon tripods EuroOptic

For 2021, Vortex offers four new tripods, three with low-mass, carbon-fiber legs. Prices start at $299.99 MSRP for the compact High Country II. The tall Ridgeview tripod ($649.99 MSRP) goes to full standing height. The top-of-the-line Radian Tripods are great for competition, providing a strong base for heavy PRS rigs. In addition there are a variety of tripod heads and accessories for these tripods.

Radian Carbon Tripod (Premium strength with versatile Ball or Leveling Head)
— Radian Carbon with Ball Head Tripod Kit — $1,199.99 MSRP ($899.99 at EuroOptic)
— Radian Carbon with Leveling Head Tripod Kit– $1,099.99 MSRP ($799.99 at EuroOptic”)

Ridgeview Carbon Tripod (extended height for standing) — $649.99 MSRP ($499.99 at EuroOptic)

Summit Carbon II Tripod (very compact, lightweight) — $549.99 MSRP ($399.99 at EuroOptic)

High Country II (metal legs, packable) — $299.99 MSRP ($199.99 at EuroOptic)

CLICK HERE too see Vortex tripod accessories including Pro Binocular Adapter and Tripod heads.

SPARC® SOLAR 2 MOA Red Dot.

The SPARC SOLAR harnesses the sun for up to 150,000 hours of battery life, powering a reliable tactical machine that’s always ready.

Auto D-TEC Technology automatically switches from solar to battery power
Motion activation capable
Daylight bright 2 MOA red dot
$399.99 MSRP – SPARC SOLAR Red Dot

Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3x and 5x Prism Scopes.

Redesigned HD optical system cuts inches and ounces off the system.

HD Optical system
Ultra-compact and lightweight design
Purpose built AR-BDC4 reticle for 5.56 cartridges
$549.99 MSRP – Spitfire HD Gen II 3x Prism Scope
$649.99 MSRP – Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism Scope

Permalink - Videos, New Product, Optics, Tactical No Comments »

December 21st, 2019

Vortex Fury HD 5000 Rangefinder Binoculars Field Test

Vortex Fury HD 5000 LRF Binoculars Review

Field Test by Colton Reid, AccurateShooter Hunting Editor
As a solo backcountry hunter, I try to carry as little weight as possible. Each step is a reminder to bring only the most essential/effective equipment. Each item in my pack must earn its precious backpack real estate. That’s why I favor gear that serves multiple purposes — and binoculars are no exception. In a previous optics review, I field-tested Zeiss Victory RF 10×42 ranging binoculars and the results were beyond expectation — they are outstanding. However, such superior, upper-eschelon ranging optics from Zeiss cost over $3000.00. And Leica Geovid HD-B 3000 ranging binoculars cost around $2500.00.

For those looking for a more affordable option, there are several mid-range binoculars with integrated ranging capability. One popular choice is the Vortex Fury HD 5000 10×42 LRF Binoculars. Priced at around $1200 on Amazon, the Fury HD 5000 is half the price of some European LRF Binoculars. Yet the Fury HD 5000 LRF Binos still combine two optical systems (magnification and laser ranging) into one that is more valuable than the sum of the parts.

Vortex Fury HD 5000 Look and Feel
The Fury binoculars are compact and relatively light — a modest 2 pounds. They are covered by a rubber armor exterior that feels sturdy enough to survive some hard falls, but is also comfortable to hold. The compact size did offer a challenge in determining how best to place my thumbs (see top photo). The rangefinder controls (Measure, Menu) are easy to access and are distinguishable by the braille-like bumps that cover them. Considering that these buttons are going to be located and pressed without looking at the top of the binoculars each time, it was perhaps a poor design choice to place the raised Vortex logo adjacent to the controls. But after a little practice I was able to quickly locate the measure button when ranging in the field.

The eye cups are comfortable and offer four discrete eye relief positions. The focus and diopter knobs are large and easy to turn but also provide resistance to rotation. Resistance is useful for maintaining the previous positional setting.

Vortex Fury 5000 — Rangefinding Performance
The Vortex Fury’s rangefinder function, along with its menu, is simple and intuitive. In my humble opinion, simple is better. The display is a red LED projection in the right optic. As noted in another review, the red display can be difficult to distinguish against a tan/brown image, so I used max brightness at all times to ensure display visibility. The display menu covers the core items: distance (line of sight or angle compensated), measurement units (yards/meters), brightness, and the ability to display either the strongest “Best” signal or the “Last Result” to help range objects behind trees or brush. The rangefinder also enables scan mode (continuous ranging) that updates displayed distance every three-quarters of a second as you sweep over the terrain.

In the field, rangefinder performance was good. I could consistently range objects at distances out to around 1500 yards. Beyond that, the rangefinder struggled with hills, trees, and brush. Ranging Longer distances required a rock or something more reflective. I will likely never shoot targets at or beyond 1500 yards, but the ability to range objects at those distances is extremely useful when scouting in the field. I routinely use my rangefinder to measure the distance to my next vantage point or staging area for a stalk, which can be over a mile away.

Optics — How Good is the Glass?
I should first note that it is difficult to quantitatively compare optical systems without objective data from sophisticated scientific measurement systems used in optics labs. Consequently, I must rely on a qualitative comparison with a known reference. In this case I compared the Fury HD against my tried and true Swarovski Habicht porro-prism binoculars.

With that disclaimer, I would rate the Vortex Fury optics as good to very good. In ample daylight, the Fury and Habicht binoculars were comparable. The main difference being that the Fury required a more precise adjustment of the focus knob in order to capture a crisp image. In low light, the Habichts had the advantage. The Fury images appeared slightly darker than the Habichts and the image sharpness in the Fury seemed to degrade more quickly with the fading light.

That may be partially linked to lower light transmission but also to the more sensitive focus knob of the Fury. With that sensitivity it could be difficult to tell which knob position yielded the best image. That being said, I was still able to spot deer with the Furys in low light (see image). What is more, I didn’t have to switch between my binoculars and a rangefinder to determine distance or suffer the reorientation of a different magnification and field of view. That is a huge benefit!

The Verdict
Overall, I was happy with the Vortex Fury’s performance. Both the optics and rangefinder were what I would consider mid-range in terms of performance. But for a street price of about $1200.00, that is a good value. Yes you can do better, but you’ll have to pay more than twice as much. Considering my recommendation is always to buy the best optics you can afford, the Vortex Fury HD 5000 would be a good choice for serious hunters on a budget. These are solidly made. Vortex states the aluminum alloy body is nitrogen-purged, and O-ring sealed to provide a waterproof, fogproof and shockproof product.

Permalink - Articles, Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting, Optics No Comments »

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