|
|
May 8th, 2008
Newcon Optik, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, produces many optics products for the Canadian military including laser rangefinders, image stabilizers, and night-vision gear. Newcon Optik also sells a line of laser rangefinders for consumers. Newcon claims that its rangefinders offer performance comparable to Leica, but at a much lower cost. The Newcon Optik LRM2000 Pro is designed to function out to 2000 meters, with a “reliable, all-conditions range” of at least 1500 yards. The LRM2000 Pro sells for $499.95 at SWFA.com, making it considerably cheaper than comparable models from Leica and Swarovski.
AccurateShooter.com has not been able to field test the LRM2000 Pro ourselves. For that reason it was not included in our Review of Laser Rangefinders done in 2007. However, we’ve handled the unit at SHOT Show and there are many features we like. First, it has a selectable reticle, offering a choice between a small rectangle and a cross-hair. By contrast, the $890.00 Swarovski Laser-Guide only offers a rather large aiming circle. Some hunters have complained the Swaro’s reticle is just too big for deer-sized animals out past 600 yards or so.
FEATURES
1 – Measurement result
2 – Units of measurement (Yards, Meters, Mils, Degrees)
3 – Low battery indicator
4 – Over 100m indicator (LRM 2500, LRM 2500CI Models only)
5 – Laser active indicator
6 – Target quality indicator (optional)
7 – Reticle (cross or rectangular selectable)
We also like the Newcon Optik’s shape and ergonomics. Sized 4.72″ x 4.8″ x 2.36″, the Newcon is flat and easy to hold, with non-slip rubber grip sections on both left and right sides. You can hold the brick shape securely with two hands, horizontally, like using binoculars.
 By contrast, Leica went to an ultra-compact, vertical design for its latest CRF1200 rangefinder. The CRF’s small size makes the Leica easy to carry, but it is more difficult to hold the Leica stable when precise aiming is needed. With the Newcon Optik, you can set it flat on top of a case or rucksack and it’s easier to maintain a solid grip. The LRM2000 Pro also offers a built-in digital compass, a nice feature for anyone in the outdoors.
In the video below, Alex Rudi of Newcon Optik explains the features of the LRM2000 Pro model:
CLICK HERE to watch NEWCON OPTIK VIDEO
How do the Newcon Optik rangefinders perform in the field? Do they live up to the claims of Leica-class performance? We invite our readers who own or use Newcon Optik rangefinders to add their comments.
CLICK HERE for LRM2000 PRO SPECS SHEET (.pdf file)
March 13th, 2008
Currently, Natchez Shooters Supply has the highly regarded Steiner 8×32 Predator binoculars on sale for $199.00, marked down from $249.00. The versatile, rubber-armored Predator 8×30 is small enough to carry easily and fit into a coat pocket, while offering both power and brightness. The Steiner 8x30s provide 20mm of eye relief and a 390-foot-wide field of vision at 1,000 yards. Weight is 18 ounces. The waterproof Predator 8x30s come with Auto-Focus System, wrap-around eye cups that fold down, objective lens covers, binocular case and strap. Steiner offers a 10-year warranty on this model.
This is a very good deal. We did a quick price search on the web. Cabela’s.com has the same 8×30 Steiners for $260.94, while OpticsPlanet.com is charging $249.00.
CLICK HERE to read Steiner Binocular reviews from Cabela’s Customers.
February 20th, 2008
Consumers who purchase any Sightron scope (excluding S1 models) will receive a free one-year NRA membership. Current NRA members will receive a one-year renewal with purchase. “With 2008 being a critical election year, all of us here at Sightron are concerned about attacks against our right to bear arms. We want to ensure that future generations have the same rights we have enjoyed”, said Sightron’s President, Scott Helmer. “We are proud to do our part ot help the NRA defend our Second Amendment rights.”
To qualify for the FREE NRA membership, a $25.00 value, just purchase a Sightron SIIISS, SII Big Sky or SII Series riflescope before December 31st, 2008. (The impressive, new Sightron SIII 8-32×56, shown above, also qualifies.) Purchaser must submit Sightron Coupon with original sales receipt by March 31st, 2009.
CLICK HERE for More Info and SIGHTRON COUPON
February 19th, 2008
German optics-maker Schmidt & Bender has recently released comprehensive information on the new 12.5-60×56 PMII scope. The spec sheets are found on S&B’s German-language website. (The USA website has not been updated yet.) We’ve handled this new scope at SHOT Show and it is very impressive to say the least. While our auto-translation from the German isn’t perfect, (and some of the published info appears to be incorrect), here are key specs we’ve discerned:
Weight: 21.52 ounces (610 grams) HOWEVER 1100 grams may be more accurate*
Overall Length: 16.38″ (416.5 mm)
Main Tube: 34mm
Click Value: 1 cm per click OR 1/4 MOA (two versions)
Reticle: P3 (Others may be available later)
CLICK HERE for Schmidt & Bender 12.5-50 Scope INFO
Note: S&B also lists an exit pupil size range of 13.3 to 3.3 mm. The smaller number doesn’t seem right, unless S&B has achieved a major breakthrough in optics design. At max 50X power, with a 56mm front objective, we calculate the minimum exit pupil as 1.12 mm.
*We also question the stated weight of 610 grams. The 12.5-50X56 S&B Field Target Scope, which is similar in size and features, is listed at 1150 grams or 40.56 ounces.
The scope description states: “The sight is alternatively available with foreseeing in the 1st plane or 2nd plane.” By this we think it means BOTH first-focal-plane reticle and second-focal-plane reticle versions will be offered. On a variable power scope, a first-focal-plane reticle increases or decreases with the power setting, so the reticle always appears the same size relative to the target. When the reticle is in the second focal plane, the reticle stays a constant size as the image increases or decreases in size with the power setting.
We still have no concrete information on scope price or availability in the USA. We’ve heard the figures $2700-2900 tossed around, but S&B representatives won’t give out hard numbers. Keep in mind that the 12.5-50 is NOT illuminated so it could actually be a little cheaper than the 5-25×56 PMII with illuminated reticle.
February 10th, 2008
 If you’ve ever used a borescope to inspect a rifle barrel, you know how valuable these tools can be. No other device lets you see the true condition of your barrel’s lands and grooves, from the throat all the way to the crown. For many of us the question isn’t whether we want and need a borescope, but whether we can afford one. Luckily, MidwayUSA has made it easier to acquire a quality Hawkeye borescope. Currently, MidwayUSA is offering a special 17″ Hawkeye Borescope “Limited Edition Kit” for just $639.99. That’s about $110.00 less than the regular price for the Deluxe Kit. The more expensive model comes with a fitted aluminum case while the Limited Edition Kit ships in a cardboard box.
Standard features of the economical Limited Edition are a 17″ precision stainless steel optical tube with advanced fiber optics, 25x magnification, high intensity (H.I.) light source with batteries, and 90-degree mirror tube, which provides a full 360-degree view of the bore’s interior. This borescope accommodates 17 caliber and larger with the standard mirror tube, and 22 caliber and larger with the 90-degree mirror tube. Optional accessories are a 90-degree eyepiece, and a rechargeable Nova light source which is 8 times brighter than the standard H.I. light source. NOTE: the Limited Edition Kit does have a 90-degree mirror, but not the 90-degree viewing eyepiece. You don’t want to confuse these two components.
 MidwayUSA has the Deluxe Hawkeye Borescope Kit on sale for $719.99 through the end of February. This is $30.00 off the normal $749.99 price. The components are similar to the Limited Edition Kit, but the Deluxe Kit includes a high-quality, lockable aluminum hard-case. The 90-degree angled eyepiece, Midway item 181455, costs an additional $274.95, and fits both Deluxe and Limited Edition models.
January 9th, 2008
Sightron has provided AccurateShooter.com with these exclusive new photos of the “next generation” Sightron SIII scopes to be released very soon. Four new 30mm scopes join the Sightron line-up for 2008. There will be two new 3.5-10X scopes, one with a 44mm front objective and Mil-Dot reticle, the other with a large, 56mm objective and IR4A reticle for enhanced low-light performance. Both 3.5-10X scopes feature 1/4 MOA clicks plus 120 MOA of windage AND elevation. The 56mm version boasts constant 3.6-inch eye relief–a nice feature for hunters.
Next in the line-up is the new 6-24×50 SIII. This is an all-new 30mm scope that rivals the Leupold 8-25 LRT in design and performance. Available in target dot or mil-dot reticle, the 6-24x50mm offers a full 100 MOA of windage and elevation in a relatively compact (14.96″) scope weighing 21.90 ounces. Clicks are 1/4 MOA and eye relief is near-constant, varying from 3.6-3.8 inches throughout the magnification range.
NEW 8-32x56mm with 70 MOA of Windage + Elevation
For long-range shooters, the most exciting new offering from Sightron is the SIII 8-32x56mm. This scope has more magnification and a larger front objective than the Leupold 8-25×50 LRT, but with an $825.00 estimated “street price”, the Sightron costs less. Importantly, the Sightron 8-32X offers 70 MOA of both windage AND elevation. This outclasses other domestic 8-32 power zoom scopes. With a weight of 24.70 oz., the new Sightron 8-32×56 is 2.7 oz. heavier than a Leupold 8-25 LRT, but the Sightron is nearly 3/4 of a pound lighter than the Nightforce 8-32×56 BR model. That’s a big difference, considering that the Sightron matches the Nightforce’s 56mm front objective size.
Initially, the Sightron 8-32×56 will be offered with 1/4 MOA clicks, and just one reticle, a target dot. Sightron has indicated that other reticles might be offered in the future. No word on 1/8 MOA click values though. Overall, we’re impressed with the specs on the new 8-32 Sightron. It offers much more elevation than the Burris, Bushnell or Nightforce BR 8-32s, yet weighs little more than an 8-25 Leupold. We just wish Sightron offered a 1/8 MOA click option.
Sightron SIII 30mm Side-Focus Scopes for 2008
| Scope |
Objective |
Clicks |
Eye Relief |
OAL |
Weight |
Street Price |
| 6-24X |
50mm |
1/4 MOA |
3.6-3.8″ |
14.96″ |
21.9 oz. |
$785 |
| 8-32X |
56mm |
1/4 MOA |
3.6-4.0″ |
15.35″ |
24.7 oz. |
$825 |
CLICK HERE for Scope SPEC SHEET (MS Excel File)
December 16th, 2007
Our initial report on Schmidt & Bender’s centerfire version of its 10-50×56 Field Target scope generated quite a bit of interest. But in recent weeks folks have been emailing us, asking “Is this thing for real?” and “When will it reach the States?” Well, we can confirm that Schmidt & Bender definitely is putting a 12.5-50X56 PMII zoom scope into production, and part of the early production is reserved for the U.S.A. market.
What will the new scope look like? Well Vince Bottomley has seen an early prototype in Europe. He reports: “The overall size is the same as the Schmidt & Bender 5.5-25 model so it’s smaller than a Nightforce but boasts more magnification.” Here is a “spy photo” from Vince:
Schmidt & Bender still hasn’t published final specs on its website, but Mark Cromwell, head of Schmidt & Bender’s North American division, hopes to have them on display at Shot Show in February in Las Vegas. With the rapidly eroding U.S. Dollar, prices are subject to change, but Cromwell expects the scope to run about U.S. $2700.00 – $2800.00, but it could be more. Cromwell says “the current spec sheet for the 12.5-50 indicates it is NOT illuminated. Reticle illumination is normally a $300+ added cost for Schmidt & Bender, so it is possible the 12.5-50 PMII long range could cost LESS than the 5-25 PMII which IS illuminated.”
|
