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SHOT Show 2009: New Optics

By Outdoor Life Staff

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Burris The AR-332 Prism Sight (SRP: $335) for AR-15-style rifles offers 3X magnification for short- to medium-range targeting. It features the Ballistic/CQ reticle with Ballistic Plex-style drop compensation and comes with integrated lens covers and a Picatinny rail-mounting bracket. The AR-Tripler (SRP: $220) also adds 3X magnification when mounted with a dot sight. Shooters can flip the AR-Tripler out of the way when it is not needed. The AR-Pivot Ring (SRP: $50) is designed for use with the AR-Tripler. The AR-P.E.P.R. (SRP: $75) mount or Proper Eye Position Ready in either 30mm or one-inch tube models is designed for combat riflescopes. It allows 2 inches of forward scope positioning, and the ring tops feature Picatinny rails for mounting additional accessories. The updated FastFire II (SRP: $225) is now waterproof, for extreme weather conditions. It still weighs only 1.5 ounce and can withstand magnum recoil on a wide range of firearms from handguns to slug guns to rifles. The FastFire bases (SRP: $45) for lever-action rifles is predrilled for mounting on Marlin 336 and Winchester angle-eject rifles. (970-356-1670; burris.com)

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Swarovski The ATM/STM Magnesium spotting scopes in 65mm (SRP: $1,476.67 to $1,998.89) feature magnesium construction, which offers lower weight with maximum stability. Both models are available with straight and angled bodies, and come with easy-to-handle rubber armoring on its surface. HD versions, with fluorite-containing HD lenses for even higher contrast, are also available (SRP: $2,210 to $2,887.78). (800-426-3089; swarovskioptik.com)
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Nitrex Optics The TR two series is the next generation of no-frills, tough and rugged riflescopes that began with the TR one series. Models in the low-magnification range include a 2-10×42 and 2-10×50; mid-range-power models include a 3-10×50, 3-15×42 and 3-15×50; and there's a 4-20×50 high-power model (SRP: $339.99 to $589.99). Designed for big-game hunting, all models feature multicoated lenses, one-piece/1-inch tube construction, and ¼ MOA windage/elevation adjustments. Depending on the model, reticle offerings include glass-etched BDC, Fine-X with dot and TrexPlex illuminated; finishes include matte and silver. The TR one series 3-10×50 was designated Best Value in Field & Stream's 2008 Best of the Best Awards. (866-223-9388; nitrexoptics.com)
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Pentax The DCF NV binoculars in 8×36 and 10×36 are waterproof and nitrogen-filled with a single-hinge design constructed of fiberglass-reinforced polymer for strength and light weight. (800-877- 0155; pentaximaging.com)
Vortex At 85mm, the objective lens of the Razor HD 20-60×85 spotting scope (SRP: $2,000) is the largest of any Vortex spotter. It sports an angled eyepiece and glass that offers crisp resolution and color, and no fringing degradation at the lens edge. New to the Viper family of binoculars are three models with 32mm objective lenses, to complement the larger 42mm and 50mm models. Available in 6×32 (SRP: $549), 8×32 (SRP: $559) and 10×32 (SRP: $569), they feature a single center hinge and in-line, roof-prism tube construction. (800-426-0048; vortexoptics.com)
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Carson The 8×26 Raven (SRP: $79) is a new compact series of binoculars with an open-bridge design. Scope Armor (SRP: $20) is a neoprene scope cover with an accommodating construction that fits most riflescopes. BinoArmor (SRP: $20) is a protective neoprene wrap for binoculars that eliminates the need for a separate pouch and lens cover; it can be used with existing neck straps. (800-967-8427; carson-optical.com)
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Nikon The Archer's Choice Laser Rangefinder (SRP: $249.95) offers fast, accurate ranging in a compact, ergonomic design that is water- and fogproof. Nikon's ID Technology compensates for various incline or decline shooting angles, which allows bowhunters to range targets from a tree stand or in steep terrain. The unit runs on a single CR2 lithium battery and comes with a neoprene case in RealTree APG camo. (800-248-6846; nikonsportoptics.com)
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Konus The KonusPro 2×28 (SRP: $134.99) and 2-8×28 (SRP: $189.99) are the brand's first handgun scopes. They feature long eye relief, multicoated optics, one-piece tube and a .30/30-style reticle that is laser-etched onto the lens. For hunters in areas that do not allow magnification, the KonusPro 1×32 (SRP: $99.99) features long eye relief and an engraved reticle. The KonusPro M30 series has three new models: a 1-4×24 (SRP: $364.99) suited for shotgun or blackpowder hunting; a 3-12×56 (SRP: $624.99) for hunting or benchrest shooting; and a 1.5-6×44 (SRP: $412.99) for dangerous game or hunting in thick, heavy brush. All models in the line feature a 30mm tube, lockable tactical turrets and long eye relief. (305-262-5668; konususa.com)
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Leupold & Stevens The Northfork line of Green Ring binoculars, featuring a single slim-hinge design, comes in 8.5×45 (SRP: $714.99) and 10.5×45 (SRP: $779.99). Available in black and Mossy Oak Break-Up, Northforks have more power and weigh less than 8×42 and 10×42 models, respectively. New to the Green Ring Mojave binocular line is a 10×50 (SRP: $529.99), with an open-hinge design that weighs in at 23 ounces. Improvements in the Golden Ring VX-3 series of riflescopes include the Xtended Twilight lens system, which is designed for low-light conditions, and edge-blackened lenses to reduce diffusion and glare. The VX-3 1.5-5×20 (SRP: $534.99) is suited for dangerous game. Large objectives on the VX-3L series of scopes transmit more light than a 40mm riflescope, yet mount as low as a 36mm. The VX-3L 3.5-10×50 (SRP: $874.99) features Duplex or Boone and Crockett reticles. The VX-3L illuminated 3.5-10×50 (SRP: $1,084.99) and 4.5-14×50 (SRP: $1,184.99) feature Boone and Crockett or German No. 4 dot illuminated reticles and come in a matte finish. The versatile VX-3 3.5-10×40 (SRP: $624.99) will work for most hunting situations. It comes with Duplex or Boone and Crockett reticles and a matte or gloss finish. Long-range shooters will appreciate the VX-3 6.5-20×40 Long Range (SRP: $949.99), designed with a 30mm tube to increase windage and elevation travel. Reticles include Fine Duplex and Varmint Hunter's, and it's available in a matte, gloss or silver finish. The VX-3 8.5-25×50 Long Range Target (SRP: $1,209.99) was built for competition or prairie dogs; it features Fine Duplex, Target Dot and Varmint Hunter reticles and comes in a matte finish. (800-538-7653; leupold.com)
Schmidt & Bender The Summit 2.5-10×40 (SRP: $1,400) is the company's response to the popularity of 1-inch-tube scopes in the American hunting market. This is the brand's first riflescope to be built with a 1-inch tube, and it features a 40mm objective lens and almost 4 inches of eye relief. It also has a reticle in the second focal plane, which means the size of the viewed reticle remains the same across the entire magnification range. (800-468-3450; schmidtbender.com)
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Bushnell The Elite 6500 line of riflescopes has expanded with a 1.25-8×32 model (SRP: $649.99). Designed for brush-country hunters who favor lever-actions, compact rifles, shotguns or muzzleloaders, it has 5 inches of eye relief and features the Multi-X reticle. The Elite 6500 Tactical models in 2.5-16×50 (SRP: $749.99) and 4.5-30×50 (SRP: $949.99) now come with a matte finish to reduce reflection and fingertip-adjustable turrets for windage and elevation. They are available with mil-dot reticles. All Elite 6500 models have a 6.5X zoom ratio. Legend Ultra HD binoculars have been redesigned with premium glass and lens coatings in two new roof-prism models available in 8×42 (SRP: $279) and 10×42 (SRP: $299). These value-priced Legend line models offer optimal color performance and edge-to-edge sharpness built on a lightweight magnesium body. The 10×42 model weighs only 22.5 ounces. The Legend 1200 ARC laser range finder (SRP: $349) has a 1,200-yard capability and incorporates Angle Range Compensation (ARC) technology for both rifle and bow, and now features VSI (variable sight-in) capability in rifle mode so shooters can select sight-in distances between 100 and 300 yards. The BowHunter Chuck Adams Edition (SRP: $249), with ARC Bow Mode technology, calculates true horizontal distance for accurate shot placement. The Sport 600 laser range finder (SRP: $199) offers performance and value with a range of 5 to 800 yards. (800-221-9035; bushnell.com)
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Alpen The new Wings line of binoculars features roof prisms and an open-hinge body design. Available in 8×42 (SRP: $430) and 10×42 (SRP: $450) configurations, they are lightweight and have long eye relief and twist-up soft-rubber eyecups. The affordable Shasta Ridge binocular family has been redesigned with full-size roof prisms. Models include an 8×42 (SRP: $280), 10×42 (SRP: $300) and two higher-power models, consisting of an 8.5×50 (SRP: $320) and 10×50 (SRP: $340). A compact zoom spotting scope in 8x-24×50 (SRP: $150) is small and waterproof and comes with a rubber-armor coating. All models come with a carrying case and tripod.. (909-987- 8370; alpenoutdoor.com)