Day 1 at SHOT Show
Seems like 2024 flew by. MANY industry changes this past year bringing you more options in great optics. I've been looking forward to meeting some folks we've been working with but haven't met face to face yet. Excited to see some new products, and as always seeing what opportunities we can grab and share with you.
My 1st meeting today was with Revic. For those of you in the know, Revic is the Optics and Tripod division of Gunwerks. We had a rep change mid 2024, which normally upsets me, however, the new rep was someone we've worked with in the past at Swarovski. IMO, adding a very knowledgeable optics rep into their fold was a great move. We discussed the new Revic Radikl smart scopes. This scope has a heads up display inside so you can get accurate shooting detail right inside the view.
Next up I went to meet with Pulsar, an industry leader in Thermal Optics. I was not disappointed when I was given a walk through of their new Thermion 60 Riflescopes. Sensor 1024x768 @ 12 µm (sNETD <20 mK). Optimize image quality for any observation conditions with brightness and contrast adjustments, enhancing detail and clarity. The User Mode function saves your preferred settings, ensuring the thermal imager delivers optimal performance right from the start without the need for readjustments. Take a look , we think you'll like what you see.
On the total other end of the spectrum we discussed a good entry level LPVO and I believe we will bring in the Firefield RapidStrike 1-6x24 and 1-10x24. They look nice and both are under $200.00
I went from one industry leader to another with my next meeting at Nightforce. For quality and dependability Nightforce is the riflescope you need to consider. It was great to chat with old friends and catch up. Nothing new to report today, however, as you know NF constancy and quality is "taxi tested tough" so if you haven't checked out their scopes lately take a moment to do so.
I have to say that of all the meetings I have scheduled I was most excited about my next meeting. In September we started doing business with DNT Optics. DNT took over distribution of the Zulus Nightvision Scopes from Arken (they also will handle all Arken Zulus warranty service for you), have their own line of Thermal Optics, which outsold all other Thermals we offer this past year end, and they offer a 7-35x56 FFP Tactical Riflescope priced way below what you'd expect with the quality and features it has. I have spoken with my rep Dennis frequently, however, today was the 1st time we met. Great meeting. The people at DNT are old school guys that care about working together to make great products. They are releasing, over the new few months, some great products, that will shake up the industry, IMO. They will have.....
LRF Thermals, with ballistic calculator, starting at only $649.99
Zulus 4K- Day/Night scope, 3-24 1920x1080 pixels w/o IR for only $699.99
In standard riflescopes (with the same build quality you've come to see in Arken scopes) they are releasing a line of 2-12x42's in both Illuminated and Non-Illuminated, in both SFP and FFP as well as a line of 3-18x42's, same configurations, all priced below $250.00. They'll also have a FFP 5-25x56, similar to what you've already seen from Arken for $449.99. They're bringing a 34mm tube 1-8x24 out for only $299.99.
All these fantastic additions should arrive between Spring and Summer. Stay tuned for updaTes.
From a 1st time meet to one of the longest relationships I have was my next meeting with Swarovski. One of the great things about SHOT is catching up with folks I cannot see regularly.
We already announced Swarovski's New Swarovski Z5+ & New Swarovski Z5i+ Riflescopes . Remember to Enter To Win one of these new riflescopes in our giveaway February 5th.
PRECISION REDEFINED - Unmatched accuracy, enhanced visibility, and unparalleled versatility.
NEW 30mm main tube modern design with increased ergonomics
VERSATILITY AT ITS BEST - Offers flexibility for any situation. Whether you’re navigating dense woods, tackling challenging backcountry, or taking long-range shots, the Z5(i)+ adapts to your needs.
ADVANCED BALLISTIC TURRET - Newly designed Ballistic Turret offers three times more adjustment range, allowing for precise targeting at various distances. With 4 color-dot rings and a two-row MOA scale ring, you can easily mark your preferred distances for quick adjustments in the field.
- 40 MOA of BT External ROA (20 MOA per turn)
- 80 total MOA elevation
- >50 MOA windage
They also have announced the new El Range 12x42 with Tracking Assistant , in your choice of Green or Orange, which have already started to arrive.
The EL Range 12x42 is a pair of binoculars with integrated rangefinder. At the push of a button, it measures distance, angle, temperature and air pressure. The 12x magnification enables outstanding detail recognition both near and far. Thus, you will be able to easily identify wildlife at various distances. The 42 mm objective lens diameter ensures that a lot of light enters the optics, making high-contrast observations possible even at dusk. Weighing just 930 g, the EL Range sits lightly and ergonomically in the hand thanks to its practical wrap-around grip. The EL Range can be individually configured. With a large field of view of 96 m at 1,000 m (288 ft/1,000 yards), you can keep an eye on everything despite the high magnification. The optionally available FRR-42 forehead rest for EL Range 42 helps you to hold the EL Range steady. This way, you can see clear, jitter-free images. With the EL Range, you are ready for any challenge and experience GROUNDBREAKING PRECISION.
New from Kahles is the new THE GAME-CHANGER 40X NEW K540i 5-40x56i.
Exceptionally comfortable eyebox even at 40X magnification
Perfect optical performance with 8x zoom over the entire adjustment range
Illuminated reticle in 1st focal plane
K540i DLR Dynamic Long Range - Extra-large lettering & 100 clicks per rotation
We, and you, have been waiting for answers to What's going on with Meopta? Today's the day for answers. Since they closed up the USA facility this past Fall all service has been handled directly in the Czech Republic. Obviously this is not how customer service should be handled. They need a facility here in the USA. I am pleased to announce that they will have a location here in the USA in May or June. They will be releasing exciting new products of higher quality for the hunting market. Not the same old same old, but premium quality, tested new scope lines. More to follow as it becomes available
My next meeting was with a long standing face of the optics industry, Leupold. As you may, or may not know Leupold has updated their VX-6HD Riflescopes to a GEN 2 version. The GEN 2 has a toolless rezero speed set dial. No more allen key needed. Easy pop off/pop on. The main tube elevation dial is a more asymmetrical design which allows for 10% more travel.
VX-6HD Gen 2 1-6x24 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex
VX-6HD Gen 2 2-12x42 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Illum. FireDot Duplex
VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex
VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA
VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Boone & Crockett
VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x50 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex
VX-6HD Gen 2 3-18x56 (30mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Twilight Hunter
VX-6HD Gen 2 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex
VX-6HD Gen 2 4-24x52 (34mm) CDS-SZL2 Side Focus Illum. TMOA
They have also announced, what I think should be a very well received addition to the Leupold Riflescope offerings:
Mark 5HD 2-10x30 (35mm) M5C3 FFP Illum. CMR-Mil
Mark 5HD 2-10x30 (35mm) M5C3 FFP illum. CMR-Mil Dark Earth
This new CMR MIL is daylight bright. reticle detail here
Since Rolls Royce, Ferrari & Maserati do not attend SHOT my next meeting was with the industry version of these world class companies, Tangent Theta. If top quality, precision, workmanship, outstanding dependability are what you demand then Tangent Theta is the Riflescope you deserve. The SAI Division released a new SAI 1-10-24 which is 2" shorter than their 1-6, allowing more rail space for easier use with a clip on. New optimized reticle, making is much easier to work with at lower power.
They also released a new SAI Mini Red Dot designed as a lightweight rapid aiming device for pistols and carbines and as an auxiliary sight for long range magnified sights
I finished my extremely busy day up with Zeiss. I was looking forward to catching up with Barton, who is pretty much the only one left from the Zeiss people we started working with about 20 or so years ago. 2024 was a banner year with Zeiss. Their V4 Riflescopes, new HDX Binoculars and their super competitive, quality Terra ED Binoculars have brought Zeiss back into the mainstream. They have great optics at pricing lower than you'd expect. So, if you haven't look at Zeiss lately then take a look.
New for 2025 is:
V8 NA Riflescopes
V8 N.A. 2.8-20x56 - Plex Reticle (#60) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - Capped Windage .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
V8 N.A. 2.8-20x56 - AHR Reticle (#90) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - Capped Windage .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
V8 N.A. 4.8-35x60 - Plex Reticle (#60) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - Capped Windage .25 MOA - Parallax Adj. - 34MM TUBE
V8 N.A. 4.8-35x60 - AHR Reticle (#90) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - Capped Windage .25 MOA - Parallax Adj. - 34MM TUBE
A couple of new V4 Riflescopes
Conquest V4 3-12x44 External Elevation Turret with Ballistic Stop - Z-Plex 20 Non-Illuminated
Conquest V4 3-12x56 External Elevation Turret with Ballistic Stop - Plex 60 Illuminated
Conquest HDX Binoculars
CONQUEST HDX 8x32
CONQUEST HDX 10x32
CONQUEST HDX 8x42
CONQUEST HDX 10x42
CONQUEST HDX 8x56
CONQUEST HDX 10x56
CONQUEST HDX 15x56
CONQUEST HDX 15x56 LRP with reticle. The all-new ZEISS Conquest HDX LRP 15x56—the “LRP” standing for “Long-Range
Precision”— is a highly specialized optic within the HDX series developed specifically to allow
competitors in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL 22 and NRL Hunter) communities to perform at the highest levels. The Conquest
HDX LRP 15x56 reticle—a combination of T-style and tree style designs with a floating center dot—will be instantly familiar to competition shooters.
I was reminded, upon picking one up, how much lighter the Zeiss Victory SF Binoculars are compared to the other premium options in binoculars. The view is stunning and the in hand feel is excellent.
You owe it to yourself to check out Zeiss's Optics.
OH, VERY EXCITING NEWS - ZEISS IS NOT HAVING A PRICE INCREASE
Wow, too many meetings and too much talking for 1 day. Unfortunately, my day ran long and late so I came back to my room to write this report up so no gelato. I will definitely go later to get some.
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