Doug from Camera Land's Day 2 SHOT Show Report
Not a crazy schedule today.
My first meeting was with GPO. Those of you who are not familiar with GPO it was started around a decade ago by the Ex-President of Zeiss USA and their head of R&D. Great pedigree in the optics world. GPO has been busy. They are showing their new line of Passion SD Binoculars, Rangeguide RF Binoculars in 8x40 & 10x40 and they've also got a new Centuri Riflescope Series that looks interesting with a couple of them only 9" long and light weight.
The Passion SD Binoculars are another in a long over populated offering of entry level, me too binoculars. Nothing exciting here. They seem nice, starting at $299.99, however, I think another me too optic priced in line with all the others is, well, whatever.
The Rangeguide RF Binoculars in 8x40 & 10x40 were a very nice addition for GPO. "Elevate your outdoor experience with GPO RANGEGUIDE 10×40 Rangefinding Binoculars. Unveil exceptional optical quality and advanced electronic rangefinding technology in THE SMALLEST, compact 40mm RF package." Available in early spring and priced at $1,299.99 these will be a big hit. To inspire you a bit, all pre-orders taken now thru the end of February will be only $999.99. Call us to get this amazing deal.
The Centuri Riflescope Series shows that GPO has been paying attention and working hard to make some innovative optics. The 2 that stood out to me were:
CENTURI 3-12x44i Super Compact - "Crafted for high magnification and extreme compactness. At 9.9 inches, it boasts double HD glass, a G4i illuminated micro-dot reticle, and a fast-focus ocular, perfect for ultralight and compact MSR rifles." Priced at only $499.99
CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact - "The CENTURI 4-16x44i Super-Compact FFP Riflescope. At 9.9 inches, it combines FFP precision, double HD glass, MIL-based reticle, and zero-stop locking turrets for short ultralight tactical rifles."
I loved the Tactical Mono 10x42ED Monocular, priced at only $299.99. This will be your pocket-sized tactical optic. With an offset MIL reticle, rubber armor, and a built-in belt clip, this monocular, weighing only 13.4 ounces, is your go-to tool for quick MIL readings in critical situations.
Lastly, and I'd like to think this is coming because I have been asking and asking for it, they will have a new 15x50 Passion HD binocular. Coming this Summer. Pricing is expected to be only $1,399.99. I want to sweeten this so call us, 516-217-1000, and pre-order with a small deposit at 20% off from now till they arrive. That's only $1,119.99.
This being far from my 1st SHOT Show I now make sure to plan meetings by booth location. I learned the hard way, years ago, that walking 10 miles back and forth by not paying attention to booth locations when setting up meetings is a major rookie mistake. I walked a few aisles over to meet with Steiner & then Burris as their booths are next to each other.
Steiner announced, and already started shipping, their great new Steiner H6Xi Series Riflescopes. "Proudly Made in the USA: Inspired by years of German heritage, but crafted on American soil, the H6Xi exemplifies the finest in precision optics. With uncompromising attention to detail and craftsmanship, this series guarantees top-tier performance that meets the high standards set by hunters and shooters alike." A MIL version will be released this Spring.
They showed me their new T1xi Illuminated dot sight that has 3 versions of the "dot" Either just a dot, or a circle, or both the dot surrounded by the circle.
They also entered the reticle spotting scope market with their TS740 MIL reticle spotter. March is the expected delivery date. 2 touch focus (eyepiece for the reticle, body for the optical focus).
Saving the best for last they showed me the new Predator 4S Riflescope, S standing for short. Just under 11" and when matched with their new clip on C35 Thermal only about 17" long. This will be a popular scope. Great stuff from Steiner for sure.
Burris released their new Burris FastFire C Red Dot Reflex Sight designed specifically for sub-compact and micro-compact pistols used in everyday and concealed carry.
Burris has expanded their line of Veracity Scopes to include:
2.5-12x42 FFP ILL
3-15x44 FFP ILL
4-20x50 FFP ILL
"Featuring the new Burris PĒK (Programmable Elevation Knob) System the Veracity PH takes speed and precision to the highest level." These are slightly smaller than the previous model, with a new optical system. You can illuminate the HUD only or both the HUD and Reticle at you choice. "In addition to the Veracity PH’s exceptional precision and ease of use, it also offers hunters an informative heads-up display. By pairing with the BurrisConnect app via Bluetooth®, the Veracity PH shows all the information hunters need in one clean sight picture. The display shows elevation turret position in yards, meters or MOA, as well as rifle cant, rifle angle, distance-accurate wind holdover and battery level."
Finally a new Eliminator 6 - Sleek design, "the Eliminator 6 empowers hunters to achieve unparalleled accuracy in the most challenging conditions. At the touch of a button, this redesigned marvel ranges and displays the target distance, swiftly calculates the exact aiming point and wind data, all within the scope for heightened situational awareness. By providing this information in one clear view, hunters don’t have to pull away from the scope to find the information they need. No more questioning if you have the right information — it’s all right there in one picture."
I also saw their new line of Thermal Riflescopes, Thermal Clip On and Handheld. So much new offered in Thermal that I am putting This Link Here to their site so at your leisure you can check it all out. You'll be happy you did.
Next I arrived at Tangent Theta. We had a great time catching up. These guys are awesome. We actually had a very productive meeting and you'll be seeing the addition of their......
ELCAN Specter Line, SAI Optics & Tenebraex Riflescope Accessories. Their Tangent Theta Riflescopes, as I trust you're aware, are the Rolls Royce of riflescopes and I apologize for not adding these other offerings sooner.
The SA1 1-6x24 "is perfect for the true competitive marksman. Loaded with features to assist in long range targeting, it is ideally suited for competitive and recreational shooters requiring precision, control and performance. The SAI™ series of optical sights provide a rugged and versatile solution for a variety of sighting requirements in variable magnification. With an LED-illuminated First Focal Plane reticle, ranging and ballistic hold-off is accurately achieved at any magnification. The proprietary Rapid Aiming Feature™ reticle and superior field of view enhance close-quarter effectiveness."
New for 2024 is the Elcan Specter DR 1-4 which comes equipped with integrated Picatinny rails, ambidextrous magnification throw levers, improved battery covers, and hard-wearing CERAKOTE® performance finishes in Black or Flat Dark Earth (FDE).
"The SpecterDR 1-4 Dual Role Optical Sight represents a revolution in optical sight design. The world’s first truly dual field of view combat optical sight, the SpecterDR switches instantly from a 4x magnified sight to a 1x CQB sight with the throw of a lever. Unlike zoom sights, the SpecterDR offers an optimized optical path and identical eye relief in both 4x and 1x modes".
My last scheduled meeting was with Meopta. Nothing new today, but this Summer you'll be excited about their new MeoStar R Riflescopes. 1-6x24, 2.5-15x50 PA & 4-24x56 PA. These are scopes you'd expect to be priced around $2,000.00 and I think they'll step up and price them closer to $1,000.00.
On my way out I stopped again at Riton and chatted a while and looked at their scopes. Not sure yet, what do you think? Please share your thoughts with us.
Remember all week we are running a SHOT Show Week Sale so if it's not marked down already call, 516-217-1000, and we will hook you up.
If there is anything you're looking for please give us a call at 516-217-1000. It is always our pleasure to speak with you. Always give a call to discuss options and what would be best for your needs.
I switched it up a bit today and went to Johnny Rockets and got a Cookies and Cream thick Shake with extra whipped cream. So over the top, lol
Thanks for taking the time to read this. More tomorrow, Day 3. Have a great day & please follow us on Instagram at gr8fuldoug_
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Camera Land
720 Old Bethpage Road
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
516-217-1000
Please visit our web site @ www.cameralandny.com
