A while back your Editor was in New Mexico, on a prairie dog expedition. While in the field, my companions and I used two pairs of Steiner 8x30mm Military/Marine binoculars to spot the critters. Finding the Prairie Dogs (PDs) could be challenging in the high grass. Often, a PD would reveal only its head — a small target at distances approaching 400 yards. We really needed sharp optics with high contrast to spot the dogs hiding behind tufts of grass or dry brush.

The Steiner Military/Marine binoculars performed superbly. I came away very impressed with these armored 8x30mm binoculars (now called Model 2033). The glass is bright and super-sharp. And the rubber-armored body is truly rugged. These binoculars offer both right and left diopters — important for me as my left eye requires more correction than the right eye. One great feature of the Steiners is the focusing system which keeps everything you can see in focus. This really is a big deal. You don’t have to constantly fiddle with focus — everything past about 20 yards is in sharp focus all the time.

As one Steiner owner reports: “Focusing set-up is worth the price of admission. Set it and forget. Amazing. This single feature makes these worth owning.” And the sharpness is impressive. I compared the Steiners’ image with a 6.5-20x40mm Leupold EFR riflescope set at 8X. Both 8×30 Steiners were brighter than the Leupold scope, and the Steiners resolved individual blades of grass and fine details better than the Leupold. Of course, comparing a binocular optic with a riflescope is like comparing apples and oranges. The advantages of binoculars (compared to a monocular scope) are well known — the brain combines the two images (left eye and right eye) to create a more vivid, 3D effect, with greater perceived contrast.

Good Binoculars Are a “Must-Have” Item for Hunters
After three days in the prairie dog fields I came away convinced that a good set of binoculars is absolutely essential for varmint hunters. As the PD population was fairly thin where we were shooting, we probably spent five minutes glassing for every minute actually behind the trigger. Over 90% of the dogs were first spotted with binocs rather than riflescopes. We had a fixed (non-rotating) bench so it was difficult to swing the rifle more than about 30° from one side to another (60° total arc). With the binoculars, and their wide field of view, we could quickly scan a much wider arc.

Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binocs are Just $255.70
At the end of our hunt, I told my host that I planned to purchase some Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binoculars similar to the units we used during our New Mexico varmint hunt. When I arrived home I was amazed to see that the Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binoculars are now just $252.82 on Amazon.com (#ad), with FREE shipping. That’s a great value, considering the ruggedness and optical quality of the unit. Most other vendors sell these binoculars for $299.99, so you can save $47+ with Amazon, plus get FREE shipping.

Need more power and low-light capability? The Steiner 210 10×50 Military/Marine (#ad) is also offered on Amazon.com. It has more magnification and better low-light performance. However, it costs $524.99, more than double the current price of 8×30 Military/Marine on Amazon! Unless you really need the 10×50’s extra low-light capability, the 8×30 M/M is the smart choice.

A while back your Editor was in New Mexico, on a prairie dog expedition. While in the field, my companions and I used two pairs of Steiner 8x30mm Military/Marine binoculars to spot the critters. Finding the Prairie Dogs (PDs) could be challenging in the high grass. Often, a PD would reveal only its head — a small target at distances approaching 400 yards. We really needed sharp optics with high contrast to spot the dogs hiding behind tufts of grass or dry brush.

The Steiner Military/Marine binoculars performed superbly. I came away very impressed with these armored 8x30mm binoculars (now called Model 2033). The glass is bright and super-sharp. And the rubber-armored body is truly rugged. These binoculars offer both right and left diopters — important for me as my right eye requires more correction than the left eye. One great feature of the Steiners is the focusing system which keeps everything you can see in focus. This really is a big deal. You don’t have to constantly fiddle with focus — everything past about 20 yards is in sharp focus all the time.

As one Steiner owner reports: “Focusing set-up is worth the price of admission. Set it and forget. Amazing. This single feature makes these worth owning.” And the sharpness is impressive. I compared the Steiners’ image with a 6.5-20×40 Leupold EFR riflescope set at 8X. Both 8×30 Steiners were brighter than the Leupold scope, and the Steiners resolved individual blades of grass and fine details better than the Leupold. Of course, comparing a binocular optic with a riflescope is like comparing apples and oranges. The advantages of binoculars (compared to a monocular scope) are well known — the brain combines the two images (left eye and right eye) to create a more vivid, 3D effect, with greater perceived contrast.

Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binocs are Just $211.15
At the end of our hunt, I told my host that I planned to purchase some Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binoculars similar to the units we used during our New Mexico varmint hunt.

When I arrived home I was amazed to see that the Steiner 2033 8×30 Military/Marine is available for just $211.15 on Amazon.com (#ad), with free shipping. That’s a great value, considering the ruggedness and optical quality of the unit.

The Steiner 210 10×50 Military/Marine (#ad) is also offered on Amazon.com. It has more magnification and better low-light performance. However, it currently runs $420.00, nearly twice the current price of 8×30 Military/Marine on Amazon! Unless you really need the 10×50’s extra low-light capability, the 8×30 M/M is the smart choice.

A while back your Editor was in New Mexico, on a prairie dog expedition. While in the field, my companions and I used two pairs of Steiner 8x30mm Military/Marine binoculars to spot the critters. Finding the Prairie Dogs (PDs) could be challenging in the high grass. Often, a PD would reveal only its head — a small target at distances approaching 400 yards. We really needed sharp optics with high contrast to spot the dogs hiding behind tufts of grass or dry brush.

The Steiner Military/Marine binoculars performed superbly. I came away very impressed with these armored 8x30mm binoculars (now called Model 2033). The glass is bright and super-sharp. And the rubber-armored body is truly rugged. These binoculars offer both right and left diopters — important for me as my right eye requires more correction than the left eye. One great feature of the Steiners is the focusing system which keeps everything you can see in focus. This really is a big deal. You don’t have to constantly fiddle with focus — everything past about 20 yards is in sharp focus all the time.

As one Steiner owner reports: “Focusing set-up is worth the price of admission. Set it and forget. Amazing. This single feature makes these worth owning.” And the sharpness is impressive. I compared the Steiners’ image with a 6.5-20×40 Leupold EFR riflescope set at 8X. Both 8×30 Steiners were brighter than the Leupold scope, and the Steiners resolved individual blades of grass and fine details better than the Leupold. Of course, comparing a binocular optic with a riflescope is like comparing apples and oranges. The advantages of binoculars (compared to a monocular scope) are well known — the brain combines the two images (left eye and right eye) to create a more vivid, 3D effect, with greater perceived contrast.

Good Binoculars are a “Must-Have” Item for Hunters
After three days in the prairie dog fields I came away convinced that a good set of binoculars is absolutely essential for any varmint hunter. As the PD population was fairly thin where we were shooting, we probably spent five minutes glassing for every minute actually behind the trigger. Over 90% of the dogs were first spotted with binos rather than riflescopes. We had a fixed (non-rotating) bench so it was difficult to swing the rifle more than about 30° from one side to another (60° total arc). With the binoculars, and their wide field of view, we could quickly scan a much wider arc.

Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binocs are Just $249.99
At the end of our hunt, I told my host that I planned to purchase a Steiner 8×30 Military/Marine Binocular similar to the one we used during our hunt. When I arrived home I was amazed to see that the Steiner 2033 8×30 Military/Marine is available for $249.99 on Amazon.com, with free shipping. That’s a great value, considering the ruggedness and optical quality of the unit.

The Steiner 210 10×50 Military/Marine is also offered on Amazon.com. It has more magnification and better low-light performance. However, it currently runs about $469.99, more than twice the price of the 8×30 Military/Marine! Unless you really need the 10×50’s extra low-light capability, the 8×30 M/M is the smart choice.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.

1. Whittaker Guns — Howa Mini Action .223 Rem, $349.99

This is hard for a varmint hunter to resist. You can get a complete Howa .223 Rem rifle for $349.99 — about the price of a replacement barrel blank for a Remington. This little gem has a smooth, short-throw Mini Action with Howa’s excellent two-stage trigger. The .223 Rem is a fine choice for prairie dog work, with good barrel life and great factory ammo options. Yes we’d prefer a heavier barrel for extended shooting sessions, but this is still a great price on a fine little rifle. NOTE: This month get 10% Off other items at Whittaker Guns (site-wide) with code MAYDAY.

2. Midsouth — Hornady Auto Charge Dispenser, $158.99

Here’s a great deal from our friends at Midsouth. Hornady’s versatile Lock-N-Load Auto Charge™ Powder Scale and Dispenser is on sale for $158.99 at Midsouth. The Hornady Auto Charge is accurate to 0.1 grains of powder and can hold up to 1000 grains of powder in its hopper. This is a very good value compared to other electronic powder scale/dispensers on the market, such as the RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, currently $257.24 at Amazon (nearly $100 more).

3. Sportsman’s Guide — Ruger Precision Rimfire, $399.99

The brand new Ruger Precision Rimfire could become one of 2018’s most popular rifles, if the success of its “big brother”, the centerfire Ruger Precision Rifle, is any indicator. This .22 LR rig offers a turn-key rimfire solution for tactical shooters, PRS competitors, and anyone who likes modular rifles. The Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle offers adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull, AR-style grip, free-floating M-Lok fore-end, and a 18″ barrel (1:16″ twist) pre-threaded for brakes or suppressor. Sportsman’s Guide sells this rimfire rig for $399.99 (or $379.99 member price).

4. Black Rifle Deport — Aero Precision Upper Receiver, $69.95

Looking to build a black rifle? Check out this Aero Precision Assembled Upper Receiver. Right now this upper receiver assembly is discounted to $69.95 plus you get a free charging handle ($12.95 value). This is a good component for a project (you must add the barrel, bolt, bolt carrier, stock etc. of your choice). NOTE, this upper includes port door, charging handle, and forward assist but does NOT include bolt or bolt carrier assembly. And this is NOT, repeat NOT, a complete upper — no barrel, handguards, gas system or sights. Got that?

5. Amazon — Plano 52″ Double Rifle Case with Wheels, $109.08

This Plano Double Scoped Rifle Case is an Amazon Best Seller for good reason. It offers the functionality and durability of an SKB-type hard case for HALF the money. This is under $110.00, while the equivalent SKB is around $240.00, so you can buy two Planos for the price of one SKB. The 51.5″ interior will fit most scoped competition rifles up to about 29″ barrels (measure your own rifle to make sure). If you separate the barreled action from the stock you can transport even ultra-long ELR rifles. The handles are convenient and beefy and the wheels make this case easy to move. This is a very tough, roomy case for the money (plus there’s Free Shipping).

Exterior Dimensions: 54.625″ x 15.5″ x 6″
Interior Dimensions: 51.5″ x 12.63″ x 5.25″
Pluckable Interior Dimensions: 46″ x 10″
Features: Wheels, Secure Draw-Down Latches, O-Ring Seal, Pressure Relief Valve, Customizable Foam

6. Amazon — Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs, $34.99

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Amazon has PINK Howard Leight electronic muffs on sale for just $34.99. These Impact Sport muffs are popular among shooters as they are reliable, reasonably comfortable, and easy to store. Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to 82 dB, providing more natural listening and enhanced communication. These muffs carry a 22 NRR Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The bottom of the muffs is thinner for clearance on a rifle stock, and the headband is adjustable. These Impact Sport Earmuffs include AUX input and 3.5 mm connection cord for MP3 players and smartphones.

7. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $179.99

Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $179.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $199.99.

8. Sportsman’s Guide — 1400 Rimfire Rounds $71.49

Need rimfire plinking ammo? Here’s a super bargain. With Remington’s Bucket 0′ Bullets, you can get 1400 rounds of .22 LR ammo for $71.49 ($67.92 member price). That works out to just $0.051 per round. A nickle a round is plenty affordable. You can shoot 200 rounds for just ten bucks — about what a movie ticket costs these days.

9. FosPower 10200 mAh Waterproof Charger, $25.99

When you’re at the range or on a hunt, it’s smart to have a USB-output battery pack for smart phone, target-cam monitor, even a LabRadar. There are many battery packs available, but most are fairly fragile, with exposed ports. This “ruggedized” FosPower 10200 mAh charger is different. It is waterproof, dust-proof, and shock-proof. (IP67 certified: dust and water resistance for up to 3ft/1m for 30 minutes under water.) It can handle all that a PRS competitor or hunter can dish out. It even has a handy LED light. Right now it’s priced at $25.99 with FREE Shipping (on orders over $25.00).