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May 30th, 2009
 At long range, small bullet holes are much easier to see in the white than in the black. When you’re practicing at long range on high power targets, one way to enhance your ability to see your bullet holes is to print a “negative” version of the regulation bullseye target. Forum member Watercam has a new Pentax PF-80ED. With the Pentax he can see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 600 yards, but holes in the black are only visible out to 400 yards or so. Accordingly, Watercam uses a modified “reversed” black-to-white target for 600-yard practice. Watercam writes:
“I just received my Pentax PF-80ED-A angled spotting scope the other day and it is awesome. Great quality. I traded a straight Kowa 77mm fluorite for it through SWFA.com. Eye relief with the Pentax 10-60 power zoom is 18-22mm (much more than the Kowa zoom), so I can use glasses with no problem. The view through the Pentax is very sharp and contrasty with great color.
With my 6mm and limited mirage I’m seeing defined, 6mm holes in the white out to 600. In the black, I can see bullets holes at about 400 with my eyes. I am printing reverse-color targets for training without a pit partner at the 600-yard line.”
If you’re not concerned with official scoring rings, you can use an all-white target with a bright, fluorescent target dot in the middle. A 2″- or 3″-diameter stick-on target dot is highly visible at 600 yards. Birchwood Casey Target Spots® assortment #33928-TSA offers neon orange target dots in 1″, 2″, and 3″ diameters.
May 19th, 2009
Sightron optics, particularly the new SIII 30mm series scopes, have been very popular with our readers. We recently tested the SIII 6-24×50 mildot scope and found that it offered outstanding clarity, sharpness, and tracking. A leader in its price class, the SIII 6-24×50 rivals some scopes costing hundreds of dollars more.
Three 6-24 Sightron Scope Models Now Offered
With the introduction of the SIII 30mm 6-24×50 Sightron, Sightron now offers THREE 6-24 power zoom rifle-scopes. This has created some confusion among buyers. Readers often ask us: “What is the difference between the SII 6-24, the Big Sky 6-24, and the new SIII 6-24?” At the NRA Annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, we meet with Alan Orr, Sightron Product Manager. In the video below, Alan was kind enough to explain the differences among the three Sightron 6-24s. You’ll note that the three scopes offer different amounts of total windage and elevation travel, plus the amount of elevation per rotation is different. Also, the older SII 6-24 runs about $400.00, while the new SIII 30mm 6-24×56 sells for about $825.00. Watch the Sightron Video to learn more.
May 4th, 2009
 Weaver is the latest company to introduce a new series of Japanese-made optics with a high (5:1) zoom ratio. The new Super Slam series includes 2-10×50, 3-15×50, and 5-20×50 riflescopes, all offered with 1″-diameter main tubes and four (4) reticle options: Dual-X (med. duplex), Fine Crosshair (with dot), Illuminated Duplex, and Weaver’s proprietary EBX™ ballistic reticle. According to Tom Knudtson, Weaver Product Line Manager. “This new EBX reticle allows for accurate bullet trajectory compensation for long-range shots and is a perfect compliment to our 3-point erector system with improved spring design.” Among the new 1″-tubed Super Slams, we think our readers will be most interested in the 6-20x50mm. This 27.5 oz. scope features side-focus parallax control, extra-hard lens coatings, and “pull-up” turrets (no caps to lose). The 6-20×50 has 1/8-MOA clicks and 3 finishes are offered: Matte Black, Gloss Black, and Silver.
Tactical Super Slams Have Front Focal Plane (FFP) Reticles
There are two new Japanese-made Super Slam Tactical Models, the 3-15×50 (#800362), and the 4-20×50 (#800360). Both scopes feature 30mm main tubes, large fixed turret knobs (no caps), and a mil-dot reticle. Notably, both Tactical models have the reticle in the front (first) focal plane. This means the size of the reticle (and the mildots) remain the same (relative to the object viewed) at all magnification levels. That is an important feature for shooters using the mil-dots for ranging. FFP design is logical for a true “tactical” scope, and Weaver was wise to incorporate FFP into the Super Slam Tactical scopes. Weaver claims these Tactical scopes are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
April 26th, 2009
 If you’re looking for a 1″-diameter scope for hunting, varminting, or general paper-punching, Zeiss makes some of the best available. The less expensive Conquest line of riflescopes have impressed us with their very clear, sharp glass, and excellent controls. Unfortunately, Zeiss Conquest prices have climbed in recent years. For example, the excellent Conquest 6-20x50mm retails for nearly $200 more than it did originally.
You can’t go back in time, but MidwayUSA is offering refurbished Zeiss Conquest scopes at big savings off regular prices. These scopes all feature etched reticles and rugged 1-piece main body tubes. Here are some of the deals currently offered on Zeiss “Certified Refurbished” scopes (with full factory warranties):
Zeiss MC Conquest 3-9x50mm, Matte, Z-Plex Reticle
Product #: 151785 | Price: $479.99 Sale ($120.00 off retail)
Zeiss MC Conquest 3.5-10x50mm, Matte, Rapid Z-600 Reticle
Product #: 714963 | Price: $659.99 Sale ($165.00 off retail)
Zeiss MC Conquest 4.5-14x44mm Side Focus, Matte, Z-Plex Reticle
Product #: 993333 | Price $639.99 Sale ($160.00 off retail)
Zeiss MC Conquest 6.5-20x50mm, Matte, Side Focus, Target Turrets, Z-Plex Reticle
Product #: 145597 | Price: $799.99 Sale ($200.00 off retail)
NOTE: Certified Refurbished Zeiss MC Conquest Rifle Scopes may have ring marks or small scratches on the body, but none of these slight blemishes will affect the function of the scope. Zeiss Conquest Rifle Scopes are covered by the Zeiss Limited Lifetime Warranty. Quantities are extremely limited.
April 17th, 2009
Forum member Jacob spotted this simple, but effective set of scope ring inserts on the Brownells’ Website. With these inserts, you can use a scope with 1″-diameter main tube in 30mm rings. Non-marring, matte black Delrin sleeves surround the scope tube so it can fit larger-diameter rings. Each sleeve comes in two parts for easy installation around your scope tube. This way you can use the same 30mm rings for all your scopes. Ring Reducers are sold as front/rear kits. Cost is just $19.99 for the 1″ to 30mm converters, item 084-000-091. There are also sets that reduce 30mm rings to 25mm, and 1″ rings to 3/4″ or 7/8″.
Note: These Brownells units simply function as plastic bushings. Unlike Burris Signature Ring inserts, they do not allow you to “pre-load” windage or elevation. If your rings are misaligned, the Brownells Ring Reducers won’t correct that problem.
March 29th, 2009
Right now, Midsouth Shooters Supply has some great deals on refurbished Nikon hunting scopes. If you’re looking for a bargain price on a medium-magnification-range zoom riflescope, CLICK HERE. Remaining inventories are low for many models, so you should act quickly. Here are some of the current offers:
Nikon ProStaff 3-9X50mm (Nikoplex Reticle, Matte)
Item No: 125-6313B | Price: $124.46
Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14X40mm (BDC Reticle, Side-Focus, Matte)
Item No: 125-6453B | Price: $228.74
Nikon Monarch 2.5-10X42mm (BDC Reticle, Matte)
Item No: 125-8411B | Price: $283.92
March 10th, 2009
 Here’s a good deal if you’re looking for reliable, fixed-focal length optic for benchrest competition. MidwayUSA has knocked $43.79 off the price of Sightron SII 36x42mm BRD target scopes — they are now on sale for just $369.99. These same scopes sell elsewhere for up to $450.00. We’ve used this scope model on rimfire and centerfire benchrest rifles from 50 yards to 600 yards, and it worked well. The 1/8-MOA clicks were repeatable and the front-parallax adjustment worked “as advertised”.
Newer Model Available
The scope that is on sale is the SII model that has been available for quite some time. Be aware that Sightron recently introduced an updated “Big Sky” version of its 36-power target scope. This is officially the SIIB 36×42 BRD. This newer SIIB version is slightly longer than the earlier model, and the new model has a bit more eye relief. The main difference is that the earlier model has more elevation adjustment — 50 MOA vs. 40 MOA.
| Scope Model |
Length |
Weight |
Relief |
Elevation Travel |
Price |
| SII 36×42 BR D (older) |
15.3″ |
17.3 oz. |
3.4 |
50 MOA |
$369.99 on sale |
| SIIB 36×42 BRD (newer) |
15.6″ |
17.3 oz. |
3.7 |
40 MOA |
$580.00 average |
February 25th, 2009
Throughout 2009, Sightron is offering purchasers a $50.00 rebate on Sightron SII Big Sky™ riflescopes. To qualify, just purchase any Sightron SII Big Sky™ Series riflescope before December 31, 2009. These scopes feature the ExacTrack™ windage and elevation system, a Broadband lens coating process, one-piece main tubes, and Sigtron’s Lifetime Warranty.
CLICK HERE for Rebate Application Form.
The Fine Print
This offer is valied in the USA only. Purchase of an SII Big Sky™ scope must be made between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. To qualify for the rebate, purchaser must submit Sightron coupon with original sales receipt, warranty card and UPC sticker by March 31st 2010. Rebate offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers.
January 30th, 2009
We checked out the latest flyers from MidwayUSA and Natchez Shooters Supplies and found some great deals. How about $12.99 for a set of digital calipers?
 Digital Calipers, $12.99
MidwayUSA item 604242
No these are not the finest calipers you can buy, but they work as well as many digital calipers costing thirty bucks or more. This $12.99 price is the lowest we’ve seen on the MidwayUSA electronic calipers in a LONG time. For $12.99, pick up these calipers as a back-up, or for your range kit. Having a spare set of calipers at the range makes it easy to measure targets or check your case growth.
 Bell & Carlson Anschutz-Style Stock for Ruger 10/22
MidwayUSA item 500223, $154.99
We know the Ruger 10/22 is popular in the new Tactical Rimfire game, but the factory stock is less than ideal. Here’s an inexpensive stock that works great both prone (with bipod) and standing. The B&C 10/22 Stock is rigid, cleared for a .920″ barrel, and has a nice, no-slip black finish. We have a similar-shaped stock on our Anschutz Biathlon rifle and it is functions great from bipod, sitting position, or standing. You may want to add spacers to increase length of pull for prone work.
 Hornady A-Max Bullets, Natchez
Natchez is listing great prices right now on Hornady A-Max match bullets. The popular 6mm 105gr A-Max is sale priced at $18.28/100, but unfortunately is out of stock. You might ask for a “rain check” on that price. Likewise, Natchez has V-Max bullets at great prices, but most items are showing “out of stock.” Here are some other good deals on available inventory:
– 22 Cal., 80gr A-Max, HO22832, $15.74/100
– 6.5 mm, 140gr A-Max, HO26332, $24.68/100
 Neoprene ScopeCoat, $9.99
Natchez item F01SXSCL50HT
Large ScopeCoat for target scopes (50mm objective). These thickly-padded covers provide superior protection for expensive optics. The quoted item is 12.5″ x 50mm, but smaller sizes are available for the same $9.99 price. ScopeCoats sell elsewhere for up to $20.00. Right now Natchez also has flip-up Butler Creek lens covers for just $5.94 (that’s 20% off).
January 21st, 2009
Nightforce Benchrest and NXS scopes are very popular among our readers. The Nightforce 12-42×56 BR model is the scope of choice for top F-Class and 1000-yard shooters. It offers sharp glass, big-time magnification, precision parallax control (via a rotating front objective), plus a wide choice of reticles. The NXS offers these same qualities, but it uses a side-parallax adjustment. Many shooters building their first long-range rifle ask: “Which should I get–the Nightforce BR model or the NXS?” Nightforce Sales Manager Kyle Brown helps answer that question in the video below. Kyle explains the major (and minor) differences between the BR and NXS scope lines. You’ll find this video very informative.
CLICK HERE to download Nightforce Optics 2009 Catalog (Large 5mb .pdf file).
New First Focal Plane 3.5-15×50 F1 Scope
The new NXS 3.5-15×50 F1 was created at the request of U.S. military and other professional sharpshooters. They wanted a rugged scope that offers a choice of elevation/windage click values, plus a ranging reticle in the First Focal Plane (FFP). A reticle located in the first focal plane remains in the exact same ratio to the target across the scope’s entire magnification range. The FFP design (designated by “F1″) is optimal for rangefinding purposes, since the reticle’s markings remain consistent relative to target size at all magnification settings. The 3.5-15×50 F1 scope will be offered with three click-value options: 1/4 MOA, 0.1 Mil Radians, or 1.0 MOA elevation + 0.5 MOA windage clicks.
CLICK HERE to download NXS 3.5-15×50 F1 Scope Spec Sheet (.pdf file).
HOT NEWS: If you like the NXS 3.5-15×50 F1, take note that a Nightforce 5.5-22×56 FFP NXS is coming in the fall of 2009. Plus Kyle told us that the Nightforce Compacts and First Focal Plane scopes now have their scope bodies (main tubes) crafted in Idaho. So, you’ll notice that they are now stamped “Made in USA”.
New Ballistic-Compensating Reticles Offered for 2009
Nightforce will offer a variety of NEW ballistic reticles that provide “hold-over” hashmarks corresponding to the trajectories of popular hunting rounds. With these new christmas-tree style reticles, hunters and varminters can rapidly adjust to different ranges without cranking-in elevation with the top turret. The reticles also include horizontal hash marks corresponding to calculated wind drift in mph (not MOA or mils). There are three basic options, one each for low, medium, and high velocity cartridges. In addition, Nightforce may offer Horus ballistic-compensating reticles, and possibly the Holland ART reticle, later in the spring of 2009.
 New Ring-Top Bubble Level and Level/ADI
Nightforce has introduced the Top of Ring Bubble Level, a low-profile level built directly into the top half of a scope ring. This fits in place of the upper half of a Nightforce Ring (e.g. Unimount, Direct Mount, and Nightforce Mil-Spec). Like other anti-cant devices, the NF bubble level helps the shooter avoid canting his rifle left or right, which can throw off the shot significantly at long ranges. The level also helps ensure your reticle is plumb when mounting the scope.
The Top of Ring Bubble Level is available in three versions: 1) Ring Level alone; 2) Ring level with integrated mount for the Nightforce ADI (Angle Degree Indicator); 3) Ring level with mount plus ADI unit (complete system). You’ll want the ADI if you often have to make shots at steep angles. Calibrated in degrees, the ADI instantly gives the shooter the up or down angle for the shot. Plug that number into a ballistics calculator (or angle drop chart) and you’ve got your corrected drop for the true range to the target.
We definitely recommend an ADI for hunting, and for competition disciplines where up/down angle shots are required. The ADI is simple, robust, and requires no batteries. Mounting the ADI directly to the scope ring is the slickest installation yet for this useful device. This mounting set-up was a collaboration between Shawn Carlock (Defensive Edge), Ward Brian (Sniper Tools ACI), and Nightforce.
For more info, contact Nightforce Optics, Inc., 1040 Hazen Lane, Orofino, ID 83544, tel (208) 476-9814, or visit NightforceOptics.com
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