There are two important gear items riflemen and women reply on when the chips are down — a binocular to spot game and determine trophy status and a riflescope to guide their bullet to the promised land.
The fact is humans are pathetic predators — possessing a sense of smell that is practically non-existent and hearing that’s average at best. So, it’s the hunters’ eyes they rely on the most. And good optics make them just that much better. The magnification and clarity afforded by a quality binocular is especially important when hunting big-sky country but can be equally critical when picking apart close-range brushy terrain. When hunters let their eyes do the lion’s share of the “walking,” they conserve precious energy when long-range scouting and conceal movement when actively hunting.
Riflescopes help hunters finish what they started. When the pursuit is done, the outcome depends on a well-placed bullet. It doesn’t make sense to invest a bunch of money in a rifle capable of punching minute-of-angle groups and then equip it with substandard glass that inhibits that capability. There are factors to consider when purchasing a scope: the type of firearm on which it will sit, the animals you will be hunting and the type of terrain where you will be hunting. From there, decisions can be made regarding what makes sense for each individual and the flavor of rifle they prefer. Patrons of your store or those who visit your website should carefully consider those qualities that make sense for the type of rifle they own and the type of hunting they do before laying down their hard-earn Benjamins, and as an informed retailer, you can help in that decision-making process.
Customers looking for an optics edge will undoubtedly be familiar with the adage: Buy the best optics you can afford. Of course, this means different things to different folks, so be sure to have all your bases covered by stocking a wide array of binos and riflescopes in an even wider range of price points to ensure every patron exits with the proper optics to fill their needs. Here are examples that will put them on the right path.
ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9X Digital Scope
The American Technologies Network X-Sight LTV 3-9X (retail $599) is a major advancement in day and night digital riflescopes and the latest in ATN’s HD optics lineup. Powered by the new ATN Obsidian LT core that is optimized for low power consumption, it delivers more than 10 hours of battery life. The X-Sight LTV provides vivid, crisp clarity during the day and has amazing nighttime performance — via its new QHD+ M584 sensor. Record HD videos and get on target extraordinarily fast with the one-shot zero feature. The X-Sight LTV can be mounted on any firearms platform with standard 30mm rings. www.atncorp.com
Axeon Optics 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Technology meets affordability with Axeon Optics’ first long-distance riflescope, the 6-24x50mm (MSRP $299.99). It features an illuminated glass G-126 second focal plane tree reticle, fast side focus and aluminum tactical-style locking zero-reset turrets with ¼-MOA windage/elevation adjustments. Multiple lens coatings ensure optimal light gathering and a crystal-clear sight picture. Build on an aluminum machined 30mm tube, it measures 15.2 inches long, weighs 1.6 pounds and comes with a black matte finish. The Axeon 6-24x50mm riflescope uses one CR2032 battery and has 3.1 inches of eye relief. Battery, lens dust cover and microfiber cloth are included. www.axeonoptics.com
Black Diamond Optics Long Range Tactical Scope
The 3-15x50mm Long Range Tactical riflescope from Black Diamond Optics (MSRP $899) has a one-piece design featuring a 30mm tube, locking turrets and ¼-MOA adjustments for both wind and elevation. In addition, it includes parallax compensation and an illuminated reticle and is both shockproof and waterproof. A new MOA reticle offers 2-MOA elevation reference lines and 1-MOA left and right windage reference lines. Fully multicoated European high-definition glass produces excellent light transmission, bright images and exceptional color. It has 4 inches of eye relief and a field of view of 32.5-6.5 feet. www.blackdiamondoptics.com
Crimson Trace Brushline Pro 2.5-10x42mm BDC Scope
Crimson Trace Brushline Pro optics are purposefully built with the experienced hunter in mind. The line includes options for pistols, muzzleloaders, shotguns and hunting rifles, including the Brushline Pro 2.5-10x42mm BDC (MSRP: $309.99). All reticles have been calibrated for the firearms platform and the line features aerospace grade 1-inch and 30mm tubes that are extremely lightweight. The scopes are fully multicoated and have exceptional light transmission and glass quality. Features on the Brushline Pro 2.5-10x42mm BDC include a second focal plane CT Custom BDC Pro reticle, ¼-MOA turret adjustments and 3.8 to 4 inches of eye relief. All Crimson Trace scopes are covered under the company’s lifetime protection guaranteed warranty and backed by its award-winning customer service team.www.crimsontrace.com
German Precision Optics 4.5-27x50i GPOTAC Riflescope
German Precision Optics (GPO) has entered the high magnification first focal plane riflescope market with its new premium tactical GPOTAC 4.5-27x50i FFP (MSRP $1,499.99), featuring a 50mm double HD objective lens system for enhanced resolution coupled with GPObright high transmission lens coatings. Its 34mm main tube maximizes optical performance while supporting incremental elevation adjustment capabilities. It is crafted from a solid, one-piece, dustproof, waterproof, nitrogen-filled body for strength and durability. An illuminated mil-spec LRpro magnifying reticle powered by the GPO iCONTROL illumination system assists the shooter in even the lowest light conditions. Custom designed turrets are mil-based and include a zero-stop system. It comes with a throw lever, cleaning cloth, see-through bikini ocular, objective lens scope covers and an extra CR2032 battery. www.gpo-usa.com
Hawke Optics Vantage Binoculars
The all-new Vantage 8x42mm and 10x42mm binoculars from Hawke Optics (MSRP $159/8x42mm; $169/10x42mm/both come in a green finish) deliver a high-quality product at an entry-level price point. The Vantage series is powered by Hawke’s System H2 optics line, which brings extra value to a wide range of binoculars and scopes that are all dependable, accurate and affordable. These new binoculars feature multicoated optics that are nitrogen-purged and waterproof and fogproof. The 8x42mm binocular has a field of view of 367 feet at 1,000 yards and the 10x42mm binocular has a field of view of 304 feet at 1,000 yards. www.hawkeoptics.com
Meopta MeoPro HD Plus 10x42mm Binocular
Meopta Sport Optics’ new MeoPro HD 10x42mm binocular (MSRP $499) is a completely redesigned Gen 2 version of the original, featuring a more advanced HD optical system. The MeoPro HD Plus delivers sharper, brighter images and better contrast and resolution than the Gen 1 models. Hunters will also appreciate the edge-to-edge clarity, wide field of view and outstanding low-light performance of this mid-priced bino. The focus wheel has been redesigned for a smoother, faster and more precise focus, and durable rubber armoring provides a better and more comfortable grip in all weather conditions. The bino’s lightweight magnesium alloy fogproof, waterproof and shockproof body is built to withstand the most brutal hunting conditions. www.meoptasportsoptics.com
Osprey 10x42mm LRF Rangefinder Bino
Hunters who want the convenience of a binocular and laser rangefinder in one efficient optic can turn to the 10x42mm LRF from Osprey (MSRP $799), which combines the function of a quality binocular with a laser rangefinder so users can locate game and determine trophy status and then range the distance to it with the push of a button. It features an exit pupil diameter of 21.5mm and a view angle of 5 degrees. This waterproof 10-power bino/rangefinder is powered by a CR2 battery and weighs 33.5 ounces. www.ospreyscopes.com
Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro Riflescope
Pulsar’s Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro (MSRP $6,599.99) is a potent thermal imaging riflescope that combines a classic, sleek design with a built-in laser rangefinder. Its powerful 640x480 microbolometer resolution detects heat signatures up to 2,000 yards away and displays them on a crisp 1024x768 AMOLED screen. With 10 hours of battery life, this thermal riflescope boasts high-precision, ambidextrous lens focusing and a variable magnification of 2X-16X. The included laser rangefinder has a range of up to 875 yards. The Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro features built-in photo and video recording and Wi-Fi connectivity. It has a IPX7 waterproof rating and features 10 reticle shapes in nine color modes, picture-in-picture mode and five unique shooting profiles. www.pulsarnv.com
Riton 1 Primal 4-12x50mm Riflescope
The 1 Primal 4-12x50mm hunting riflescope from Riton (MSRP $369.99) features 12X magnification for finely detailed long-range shooting while its 50mm objective lens and illuminated red-dot reticle excel in low-light situations. With a budget-friendly price tag, the 1 Primal 4-12x50mm riflescope features crystal-clear Riton HD glass, an integrated throw lever and fully multicoated lenses. Complete with a 1-inch tube and capped, zero-resettable turrets, it is a versatile scope for a wide range of hunting applications. The Riton 1 Primal is waterproof, fogproof and shockproof and has ¼-MOA windage and elevation adjustments and a fast-focus eyepiece. www.ritonoptics.com
Sightmark Wraith 4K Mini 2-16x32mm Riflescope
The Wraith 4K Mini 2-16x32mm digital riflescope (MSRP $799.97) combines Sightmark’s rugged quality with advanced digital optic technology, detecting objects up to 300 yards away in the darkest of nights and displaying them on a flawless 1280x720 FLCOS screen. Although it’s extremely light and compact, the Wraith 4K Mini features big-time capabilities. Its built-in recorder produces AVI-format videos in 1080p or 4K resolution, ensuring every shooting memory is captured and preserved in incredible detail. It also boasts 8X digital zoom, full-color HD imaging during the daytime and digital night vision mode. With an 850nm IR illuminator and first focal plane reticle options, the Wraith 4K Mini enables shooters to locate and engage targets, near or far, with speed and precision. www.sightmark.com
Sightron S6 5-30x56mm ED Riflescope
Constructed from a one-piece, 34mm aircraft aluminum tube, Sightron’s new S6 5-30x56mm ED premium riflescope (MSRP NA) employs premium Japanese glass with extra-low dispersion (ED) elements to enhance contrast, improve clarity and reduce chromatic aberration. Combined with Zact-7 Plus anti-reflection multicoatings, it provides hunters with excellent light transmission and flare reduction. The S6 5-30x56mm ED offers side-adjusted parallax correction starting at 10 yards and its large tactical turrets are easy to read and resettable to zero, and they house Sightron’s highly accurate and repeatable zero-stop mechanism. Daylight illumination is accessed via a low-profile side dial that provides 11 intensity levels with on-off alternating dial positions. Combined with the MOA-2 and MH-4 reticles, the scope provides fast target acquisition in any lighting conditions. www.sightron.com
US Optics TS-12X Riflescope
The USO TS-12X (MSRP $595) is a compact, lightweight and versatile first focal plane riflescope that offers reliable performance in extreme hunting conditions. It features a 44mm objective lens, 30mm tube, rapid-focus diopter and tactical locking elevation and windage turrets. It allows the shooter to quickly adjust from 3X to 12X and provides parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. Reticle options include the traditional second focal plane Triplex reticle and the first focal plane Mil Hunting Reticle (MHR). The TS-12X weighs 18.11 ounces and overall length is 9.6 inches. It has a type III hard anodized matte black finish and 2 to 3 inches of eye relief. www.usoptics.com
UTG True Hunter 4-16x40mm Riflescope
The UTG True Hunter 4-16X40mm riflescope from Leapers (MSRP $189.97) is built on its True Strength platform, completely sealed and nitrogen filled, shockproof, fogproof and rainproof. Its mil-dot range-estimating reticle features the EZ-TAP Illumination Enhancing (IE) system with red/green Dual-Color mode and 36 Color Multi-Color mode to accommodate all weather/light conditions, and one-click high-tech illumination memory gets the shooter back to the color/brightness setting last used. It also features premium zero-locking and zero-resetting target turrets, emerald-coated lenses and parallax adjustment from 5 yards to infinity. It comes with Picatinny/Weaver rings and high-quality flip-open lens caps. www.leapers.com
Vanguard VEO HD 10x42mm Binocular
Vanguard’s VEO HD binocular (Retail $369.99) delivers crisp, clear images and is designed for easy use. Advanced engineering ensures worry-free operation, even in harsh environments. It has a right-eye locking diopter adjustment for absolute precision, and a large center focus wheel and three-stage twist-up eye cups offer smooth and easy adjustment. Built tough but lightweight, supported by Mitsubishi Rubber Armor, the VEO HD’s multicoated, extra-low-dispersion ED glass provides stunning clarity and vivid color. Waterproof and fogproof, it attaches to a tripod or monopod using a BA-185 adapter (not included), and its open-bridge design makes it easy to grip. It comes with a strap and carrying case. www.vanguardworld.com
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm Riflescope
The Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP from Vortex (MSRP $1,999.99) answers every demand of the long-range hunter with a riflescope that’s among the lightest in its class. Users still get the HD optical system and rugged build that made the Razor HD LHT such a hit. Where the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 FFP distances itself is in not just adding a first focal plane reticle, but also getting the most out of it by incorporating the XLR-2 reticle system, which is intuitive and easy to use. Long-range hunters also need an optic they can dial in the field, and the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP offers a locking elevation turret with a RevStop zero system for a reliable return to zero after dialing.
Zeiss LRP S5 3.6-18x50mm Riflescope
The Zeiss LRP S5 3.6-18x50mm first focal plane riflescope (MSRP $3,299.99) features a sturdy 34mm main tube and provides a massive amount of total elevation travel out of the box, which is extremely beneficial for long-range hunting. Its 50mm objective lens yields a more compact scope and allows for mounting it on smaller rifle platforms, making it a preferred choice on long-range hunting rifles that call for a more compact optic with excellent performance characteristics. This model is available in both milliradian and minute-of-angle configurations. With an extremely wide field of view, the Zeiss LRP S5 is a great choice for long-range varmint, predator and big-game hunting.
