#Riflescope

Primary Arms Optics has just added three new optics to their vast lineup, which will include a flat dark earth version of their PLx 1-8×24 FFP Low Power Variable Optic (LVPO), a second generation of their existing SLx 3-18x First Focal Plane scope, and a new CLx RD-25 red dot optic. These three new offerings are available for purchase now. Primary Arms’ full press release can be read below.

Steiner just announced their new Predator 8 scopes, which add 8x zoom ratio optics to their existing Predator lineup. They also include various upgraded features over the legacy models. These new models are the high end of the Steiner hunting scope range.

One of the things that vaulted Vortex Optics to a household name is the fact that they offer a wide spectrum of optics to meet every budget.  They were kind enough to lend me their 6-24x50mm Diamondback Tactical rifle scope to review.  The Diamondback Tactical 6-24x is one of Vortex’s lower cost options, but Vortex still seemed to pack in plenty of useful features compared to its up-tiered brothers.  Let’s dig into Diamondback Tactical optic.

Maven Optics, a direct to consumer scope company, has released the RS.3 for presale.  The RS.3 is their 3rd rifle scope, hence the name. With more long-range shooters getting into hunting and more hunters getting into long-range shooting we are seeing more of what I like to call cross over scopes, or scopes that can serve in both rolls.  The RS.3 looks do exactly that.

The S2 Delta company recently released their 1-4×24 Carbine Scope. S2 Delta was already in the business of making rifle slings, but this was their first venture into rifle optics.  As the 1-4x implies, the S2 Delta scope is a low power variable optic (LPVO) that lets the user engage targets from several yards out to several hundred yards.  The optic’s reticle has a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) with quick reference points for windage.  The reticle is in the second focal plane to keep the reticle the same size no matter what power setting the scope is set to.  The 1-4×24 optic has a 30mm diameter tube that I paired with an Aero Precision Ultralight Scope Mount, courtesy of S2 Delta for the review. Let’s dig in.

When I first heard of Maven Optics with their direct to consumer approach, the cliche image of a shady character on the street corner selling “Rolex” watches out of his trench coat instantly came to mind.  (Raspy voice) “Psst, hey you. Looking for a scope?”. Upon further reflection, I realized in our current era of globalization and internet sales, the direct to consumer structure can really work. However, I remained skeptical.  I knew with the direct to consumer model the company could provide more scope to the end user for the same amount of money since the price didn’t get marked up each time it changed hands from the manufacturer to the distributor to the retailer.  I knew Maven could do this but would they with their RS1?

Back in May, we reported that the US Marine Corps would, at last, be replacing its venerable M40A6 sniper rifles with the Mk 13 Precision Sniper Rifle. The Marine Corps has now confirmed that the Mk 13 Mod 7 will be fitted with the Nightforce ATACR Scope.

At SHOT Show 2018, Wayne at NightForce walks us through the new NX8 product family, beginning with the NX8 1-8×24 F1 and exists as an extension of the NXS family and NF’s military heritage. It is a first focal-plane optic, is 8.75″ long and 17 ounces.

EOTech had quite the PR and legal fiasco last year but they’re moving forward and at the 2018 SHOT Show they announced their “Prestige Warranty”. From the image below taken at their booth, their new limited warranty will cover all of their current Holographic Weapon Sights and Magnifiers for 10 years.

FLIR Systems, Inc. announced the company was expanding its line of thermal imaging optics with additions to its ThermoSight Pro Series. All of these new optics are rifle scopes that can be mounted to a variety of long guns.

I shot a two gun match the other day and it occurred to me that, as impressive as the ranging features on certain sights are, they may not be all that practical. Don’t get me wrong, I like my ACSS reticle and long range shooting is fun, but the longest shot in that match was 130 yards. If you shoot a 5.56mm rifle with a 50 yard zero, you don’t really have to start thinking about come ups until the target gets past 250 yards. And as a civilian, you are unlikely to have to use your rifle at anything approaching that distance. You may not have a duty to retreat in your state, but no matter where you are, if you shoot someone you do need to articulate a reason that you felt a credible threat. Imagine trying to explain to your own attorney why you felt that you had to shoot a man 200 yards away. Even in a sweaty Arfcom dream of civil disorder, with football pad and tire armor wearing visigoths roaming the scorched landscape, odds are pretty good that if you’re engaged by someone at a couple hundred yards, it’s probably safer just to run away. That said, shooting stuff is fun, and a 1-4x variable scope is a versatile tool.

Leupold has brought several new rifle scopes to the market in 2017, including their new VX-3i LRP scopes. As someone who loves to look through good glass, I have really been impressed with the optical enhancements manufactures like Leupold have been developing and implementing on their scopes in recent years. This year is no different, and the new Leupold VX-3i LRP scopes do not disappoint.

Nightforce Optics announced the new SHV 4-14×50 F1 rifle scope at SHOT Show this year. The SHV (Shooter, Hunter, and Varminter) series is aimed at providing Nightforce quality at a price more affordable to most customers. The SHV 4-14×50 F1 rifle scope is a first focal plane scope.

Nightforce is one of the most respected rifle optics companies in the world. They may not have the tenure of Leupold, Schmidt & Bender, Swarovski, and the likes, but their absolute dedication to high quality glass has garnered them a well-earned high reputation for rifle scopes.

Minox of Germany has introduced three new rifle scopes in their new ZP TAC line, marketed as a “High End Tactical” line of optics. The versions include the ZP8 and the ZP5 in two magnification options. These new scopes are particularly designed for professional military or law enforcement snipers and the rigors and stringent requirements those shooters must have to be successful. However, the ZP TAC scopes have many features that serious shooters can appreciate as well. Minox optics have a reputation for superior quality and craftsmanship, and the new models appeared to be clear examples of that level of product commitment.

While investigating the Hawke Sport Optics booth I found a new offering for 2015, the “Frontier” rifle scope. The Hawke Frontier rifle scope is a variable power scope that is presented in two configurations. The first is a 5-30x40mm long range option, while the second is the 2.5-15x40mm intermediate range option. From personal experience the 2.5-15 power option should satisfy the optical needs for the vast majority of rifle shooters, but the 5-30 power option is very nice for long distance shooters.